Texas Rangers infielder Jurickson Profar hasn’t played in a major league game since 2013, but teams are still very much intrigued by his potential. Despite missing the entire last two seasons due to a shoulder injury, the 22-year-old is reportedly generating some interest on the trade market.
According to Joel Sherman of the New York Post, the Yankees and other clubs have contacted the Rangers about Profar’s availability. It’s not exactly surprising that the infielder remains a coveted asset. Even after his significant health setbacks the last couple years, Profar is still very young and has time on his side in his bid to get back on track.
Teams haven’t forgotten the skills and athleticism that made Profar one of the game’s most highly anticipated young talents prior to his MLB debut at the end of the 2012 campaign. Baseball America named him its number-one prospect the following year. Profar appeared in 85 games in 2013, slashing .234/.308/.336 with six home runs and 26 RBI.
Scouts have praised Profar’s strong arm and range in the infield, tools he has demonstrated at both shortstop and second base. He was a good contact hitter in the minors who showed patience at the plate and limited strikeouts. Some have even used Hall of Famer Barry Larkin as a potential comparison. That’s quite a lofty bar.
Clubs in need of middle infield help likely view Profar as an enticing project that could pay huge dividends down the road. The Yankees make sense as a possible suitor due to their issues at second base and recent affinity for younger, cost-controlled players like Didi Gregorius. Sherman also highlighted the Mets and Padres as teams that could be interested.
However, just because other clubs still see the value in Profar doesn’t mean the Rangers have stopped doing so. Sherman’s report also included a quote from Texas GM Jon Daniels, who emphasized his team’s desire keep its young asset:
“We are not looking to trade him. We held onto him this long. We are pretty optimistic his shoulder is fit. The mindset is to wait and see where he is. We believe he will get back to his value, which was one of the best young players out there.”
While rumors and speculation may continue to follow Jurickson Profar this offseason, it indeed seems far more likely that the Rangers will keep him and see how he fares next year. With the emergence of second baseman Rougned Odor (.832 OPS in the second half last season), Texas appears to view Profar at shortstop long-term.
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By dealing Profar now, you would be cashing in at a particularly low point of his value. He will likely start next season in the minors, where the Rangers will hope that he puts up good numbers and proves himself recovered from his shoulder woes. At that point, he could take playing time away from incumbent shortstop Elvis Andrus (whose performance this year was hardly inspiring), or they may consider using him as a trade chip in the future.