The Rangers’ public admission Monday that Michael Young wants out doesn’t mean he’s headed to Colorado anytime soon.
Colorado has talked to the Rangers about obtaining the all-star infielder, but Texas’ reluctance to make any financial concessions means nothing will happen, at least for now.
The Rockies and Rangers would not be expected to have any problem figuring out the players involved in a deal if the Rangers agreed to pay for a big chunk of Young’s contract. The Rockies aren’t interested unless Texas absorbs about $20 million of the remaining $48 million on the final three years of Young’s contract.
“We have to look at each opportunity that comes up. For me to speculate that we would be willing to absorb some of the salary would be premature when I don’t know what’s out there,” Rangers president Nolan Ryan said Monday. “We are talking about one of the premier hitters in the game. We expect proper compensation back.”
Rangers general manager Jon Daniels confirmed that Young wants to be traded because he’s not interested in being a full-time designated hitter.
“It’s not our first choice. But we understand his feelings and where he’s at this point in his career,” Daniels said. “Nothing is imminent.”
The Rockies, should they acquire Young, would be doing so to put him at second base.
The Rockies are one of eight teams that Young can be traded to without his consent. According to multiple reports, the list includes the Dodgers, Angels, Padres, Twins, Yankees, Cardinals and Astros. The Dodgers and Angels both have interest. Young told ESPN.com on Monday that he would consider expanding the list on a case-by-case basis.
“I have been misled and manipulated,” Young told ESPN.com on Monday night, referring to a breach of trust. “I am tired of it.”
Given that few teams have elasticity in the budget at this point, it’s possible that the Rangers will explore trades and decide they are better off keeping Young regardless of his unhappiness.
Young wants to be an everyday position player. The Rockies offer that opportunity, seeing him as their starting second baseman and No. 2 hitter in the lineup in front of Carlos Gonzalez and Troy Tulowitzki.
Daniels would not discuss the clubs he’s spoken to about Young. And he didn’t rule out keeping the disgruntled veteran.
“My hope would be that (the relationship) can be repaired,” Daniels said. “Nothing is set in stone.”
Troy E. Renck: 303-954-1301 or trenck@denverpost.com
