Detroit Tigers Could Look To Target Elvis Andrus Next Offseason

Feb 26, 2013; Surprise, AZ, USA; Texas Rangers shortstop

(1) makes a play during the fourth inning against the Chicago White Sox at Surprise Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

According to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports, the Texas Rangers could be looking to trade shortstop Elvis Andrus following this season if they are unable to work out a long-term deal.

"The Texas Rangers have twice tried to lock up All-Star shortstop Elvis Andrus to a long-term contract and are expected to make one more run at it this year, but people familiar with their thinking suggest that if the Rangers can’t secure him to a multiyear deal they will likely trade him in “10 to 12 months.”That means there’s a pretty good chance he’ll be on the block next winter — which would open a spot for Jurickson Profar, who’s considered by many to be baseball’s top prospect but appears caught in a tight squeeze this year for a roster spot."

I think an Elvis Andrus-type deal was what Dave Dombrowski was hoping for this offseason as he took calls regarding Rick Porcello, but nothing of that magnitude developed. Shortstop is going to be a huge position of need next season when Jhonny Peralta hits free agency and none of the Tigers’ prospect options are quite ready for the big leagues.

The Tigers look to be facing the same “too many starters” problem a year from now and would appear to be very willing to move a pitcher to fill the hole at shortstop.

Andrus would bring the youth — and the high-quality defense — that would make him an attractive “shortstop of the future”, but he’d only have one year of team control remaining so the Tigers would likely want to push for a quick extension.

Porcello, on the other hand, would have two years of team control remaining and would be a hot commodity on the trade market should he take a big step forward with his performance this year. Even so, the Tigers would probably be asked to throw in another piece or two in order to satisfy the Rangers in a potential Andrus swap.