MLB Trade Rumors: Rangers Koji Uehara Wants Situation Settled

Rumors have been swirling around Texas Rangers reliever Koji Uehara for most of the offseason.  With pitchers and catchers reporting across the league this weekend, Uehara remains a Ranger and in the middle of trade rumors.  Through his translator the veteran right-hander told reporters yesterday that he would like to have his situation settled and know where he is playing this season.

Texas has somewhat done its part this winter in trying to find Uehara a new home.  The Rangers interest in dealing Uehara increased when they discovered they could get a solid return for the 36-year-old.  Texas has tried to trade Koji to the Toronto Blue Jays, but Uehara nixed that deal.  It was later rumored that Uehara used his limited no-trade clause to cancel another deal this offseason as well.

So, while Uehara may be frustrated to be reporting to camp with a team looking to ship him out, he hasn’t exactly helped his situation this offseason.  Uehara has made it clear that he’d like to return to the Orioles for 2012, but Baltimore has turned to other options to fill out their bullpen.

Instead of the Orioles, it looks like Uehara could ultimately end up with the A’s.  Oakland has been discussing Uehara with the Rangers for some time now, and a trade between the American League West rivals is expected.  Still, T.R. Sullivan of MLB.com reported yesterday that nothing is imminent.

If the Rangers do end up dealing Uehara, Nick Carfado of the Boston Globe is reporting that they will use some of the money saved to sign left-handed reliever Mike Gonzalez.  It’s also been rumored that Texas could look to use their additional budget space on free agent starting pitcher Roy Oswalt.

For more on the Rangers, be sure to check out Nolan Writin’.

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