The Texas Rangers' pursuit of quality outfielders continues as the latest trade rumors have them heavily interested in Chicago White Sox outfielder, Alex Rios. However, there is a small catch in that deal as Rios is owed around $32 million, including the remainder of this season. What would it take for Rios to change jerseys?
Roll at a couple of dollar signs and have Pacman do his thing. Get it? The Rangers will have to eat a healthy chunk of the money remaining on his contract. As Richard Durrett of ESPN Dallas reports, by paying most of the remainder of Rios' contract, the Rangers avoid having to send a big time prospect over to the White Sox. The prospects in discussion are guys like Justin Grimm, Luis Sardinas or Mike Olt, would be the pieces discussed if the Rangers refuse to pay up.
Would Rios be worth the money? Yes. Would Rios be worth some prospects? Hmm, maybe.
Rios would bring experience to the Rangers as the 32-year-old has 11 major league seasons under his belt. He would be an upgrade over David Murphy's bat and heck, you might even want to leave Nelson Cruz in the DH slot and avoid having him run after flyballs despite having a strong arm. At the plate, Rios is a power threat and he's a contact hitter. He has 11 home runs and 40 RBI, along with a .270 batting average and .326 on-base percentage. Rios can also become a threat on the basepads, having stolen 19 bases this season.
Durrett also points out that Rios can be a sort of insurance for the Rangers. Cruz will be a free agent after 2013 and if the Rangers don't resign the 33-year-old, then Rios could remain with the organization until his contract is up in 2015. However, the Rangers can use their discretion when handling Rios since there is a club option in the last year of his contract.
Rios would be a game changer for Texas. The Rangers are currently in the heat of a division race as the Oakland Athletics continue to overtake first place in the A.L. West. Texas is in second place with a 54-41 record, trailing the A's by two games.
