Mark J. Rebilas: USA TODAY Sports
The Texas Rangers have reportedly reached a deal with Elvis Andrus which includes an 8-year contract extension said to be worth $120 million. Though Andrus was at the center of several trade rumors over the off-season, the extension would answer the question about the shortstop’s future with the franchise, but would also raise questions about the futures of some of his teammates.
Yes, that is a lot of money, but this is a deal that needed to happen. At just 24 years of age, Andrus has already played four full seasons in the pros and is already considered to be one of the best defensive shortstops in MLB. The extension will keep Andrus in Texas until at least 2018 with the possibility of him sticking around until 2022.
Related: How Elvis Andrus’s contract affects the Texas Rangers
In addition to what Elvis brings to the team on the field, he’s also very important in the clubhouse.
With the team recently parting ways with Josh Hamilton and Michael Young, the ball club is in desperate need of a team leader.” With his personality and the respect he’s earned from his teammates, Andrus could likely prove to be that guy and the new “face of the franchise”.
While the contract would keep Andrus in Arlington for years to come, many have to wonder about the futures of fellow fan favorite Ian Kinsler and Jurickson Profar, whom many consider to be the top prospect in baseball.
Profar will begin the season with the Round Rock Express, the Rangers’ Triple-A club, but it’s really just a matter of time until he’s called up. With Elvis likely solid at shortstop for the near future, many believe that Profar could either be used as the centerpiece in a blockbuster trade or he could end up at second base with the Rangers. If it’s the latter, what does that do to Kinsler? Will he move to first base? Outfield? Will he be the one who is traded?
Again, while there are many questions about the future of the team stemming from Andrus’ probable extension, this is a deal that absolutely needed to be made.
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