All-Star shortstop Michael Young, the reigning Gold Glove winner in the American League, has requested that he be traded after the Texas Rangers asked him to move to third base.
General manager Jon Daniels said the position is switch is best for the club as their prized shortstop prospect, Elvis Andrus, makes a push for the major leagues.
“We know Michael is a championship-caliber player. We believe Elvis has the ability to be in short order,” Daniels said. “The way to get everyone on the field at once would be to ask Michael to move to third base.”
The Rangers have not spoken to Young since their December meeting, though Daniels has been in contact with Young’s agent and others who have spoken to the five-time All-Star.
Young’s outlook hasn’t changed, and Daniels said he has spoken with clubs about a trade. Spring training is approaching quickly — position players report Feb. 19 — and the prevailing hope is that Young will agree to the move before full-squad workouts begin.
“I wouldn’t use the term demanded, but he has asked us to explore trade possibilities,” Daniels said. “I realize we’ve asked him to make a move that he was not, in his own mind, planning to make at this point. I’m respectful of that.
“He’s always done what’s been in the best interest of the club and hope that he continues to do so.”
