Texas Rangers willing to pay part of Alex Rios’ remaining salary
By Aaron Somers
After being a popular name in trade rumors over the weekend, talk has quieted down surrounding Alex Rios and his future with the trade deadline rapidly approaching. Numerous teams were believed to have interest in the outfielder and now the Texas Rangers are reportedly more willing to pay part of his remaining salary to help facilitate a deal, according to FOX Sports’ Ken Rosenthal.
Talks for Rios could go to end. Several of interested clubs - CLE, CIN, KC, SF - fading of late. #Rangers willing to include cash in deal.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 30, 2014
The 33 year old Rios is earning $12.5 Million this season, of which he’s still owed just over $4 Million. His contract includes a $13.5 Million team option for next season, with a $1 Million buyout. It’s unclear just how much cash the Rangers are willing to include.
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Rios is hitting .305/.334/.431 on the year with 22 doubles and a league-high 8 triples. His power numbers have dropped off, however, as he hast just four home runs this season – down from his career average of 17.
While he’d be a likely upgrade in right field for many of the teams linked to him – Rosenthal notes the Indians, Giants, Reds, and Royals but the Blue Jays, Mariners, and others have also been in the mix in recent weeks – much of the concerns have largely seemed to center on how much he is still owed over the remainder of the season. Many of these teams could potentially consider picking up the option for next year as well, depending on how he finishes out the season, but with Texas willing to throw in cash to a potential deal that could certainly help facilitate something. Of course, the more Texas is willing to pay the better quality their return will potentially be as well.