The Texas Rangers have started the season 4-6 and their offensive production thus far hasn't been what many expected, especially since they're returning a number of stars who battled injuries in 2014. If this continues to be the case, they could explore trading third baseman Adrian Beltre.
Prior to the season, general manager Jon Daniels opted to pick up Beltre's 2016 team option, which will pay him $18 million in addition to his $16 million salary this year. Daniels' reasoning for doing so was that he didn't want any distractions regarding the veteran's contract during the 2015 season.
However, the Rangers are batting .210 as a team (27th in MLB) and have only eight home runs (17th) even after playing six games at the hitter's field that is Globe Life Park in Arlington. If stars such as Beltre, Prince Fielder and Shin-Soo Choo as well as emerging players Elvis Andrus, Leonys Martin and Rougned Odor can't get the job done by a certain point in the season, will Daniels look to deal Beltre?
"If the team goes in the tank, then I would assume they'd have to look into dealing Beltre," writes Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News. "Here's the caveat: What if they believe that with Darvish and Holland back next year, that Beltre is key to winning? I don't think the Rangers are in full tear-down mode and I'm not sure they will get there. But if [prospect Joey] Gallo shows you enough to believe he can be a championship caliber third baseman in 2016, then, yes, you pull the trigger on that."
Gallo is the organization's top prospect and finished second in the minor leagues last season with 42 home runs, only behind Chicago Cubs' third baseman Kris Bryant. The 21-year-old participated in spring training with the Rangers and slashed .250/.333/.469 with six runs scored, two home runs, six RBIs and two stolen bases in 15 games. He has yet to play a game above Double-A and still has some improving to do with his strikeout and contact issues - he stuck out 179 times in 126 games last season and his 64% zone-contact percentage was the lowest of any minor-leaguer with data available from 2014, according to FanGraphs.
Grant noted earlier in spring training that Gallo will likely start the year at Double-A Frisco, but it's expected he'll hit Triple-A once he gets into a bit of a groove after having already logged 68 games at Frisco last season.
So while it's too early to assume anything, one can't help but think what Texas will do if they endure another underperforming, or even nightmarish season like they did in 2014. If they fall behind in the competitive AL West, it would be sensible to trade Beltre because he's owed $34 million over the next two seasons and is turning 37 this year.
Regardless, the Rangers are probably hoping Gallo steps up so they can use him in some capacity if the team is in contention - or so they have a clear cut successor for Beltre in the event the veteran is dealt.
