MLB Trade Rumors: Texas Rangers, Oakland A’s talking Jurickson Profar

MLB Trade Rumors: The Oakland A’s and Texas Rangers have talked about infielder Jurickson Profar, according to Ken Rosenthal. Profar, who has two seasons left prior to hitting the free agent market, is currently slated to be the Rangers’ third baseman in 2019, though his best position is second base, where the A’s would likely want to use him.

Profar had a breakout 2018 campaign that saw him perform more like the Rangers thought he would back when he was the #1 prospect in baseball. The Rangers have reportedly been seeking a hefty price for Profar, and likely would be eyeing two pitching prospects from Oakland who are coming back from Tommy John surgery — A.J. Puk and Jharel Cotton.

The acquisition of Patrick Wisdom from St. Louis yesterday gives the Rangers an option at third base should they pull the trigger on a Profar deal, but I have to think that the asking price for Profar is steep enough that a deal would be unlikely. Texas has been patient with Profar as he’s come back from injury and had some struggles in the majors, and they may feel he has more value as a long term piece than as a trade chip.