Veteran infielder Elvis Andrus was traded on Saturday from the Texas Rangers to the Oakland Athletics.
The Rangers reported that the only player left on the roster to make the World Series twice will cease to be the starting shortstop after 12 seasons at that position.
Texas sent Andrus, 32; to catcher Aramis Garcia and $ 13.5 million to the Athletics in exchange for designated hitter Khris Davis, catcher Jonah Heim and right-hander Dane Acker.
“At first I was shocked, but at the same time I understood what was happening in our organization. It is in a rebuilding process, ”Andrus said. “When I found out, the opportunity to play in Oakland opened. This makes sense for my career, and I like where I am now.
The Rangers owed Andrus $ 14 million in each of the next two seasons. The eight-year, $ 120 million deal he signed in 2015 also includes a $ 15 million option for 2023.
Now, due to the trade, that alternative is conditional on the player making 550 plate appearances in 2022 or accumulating 1,100 combined in 2021 and 22.
The A’s, champions of the AL West Division, advanced to the playoffs in each of the past three seasons. They recently lost shortstop Marcus Semien, who left for Toronto as a free agent.
“Elvis will adapt very well to our infielders. He has a passion for defense, like our other boys, ”Oakland manager Bob Melvin said in a text message. “I have seen his leadership abilities, from the cave of rivals, for 10 years.”
Jon Daniels, president of the Rangers, said the agreement began to be discussed at the beginning of the winter, and the talks gained momentum in the last week.
Daniels spoke Thursday night with Andrus, who could veto the trade.
“From a career standpoint, I think he got it right away,” Daniels said. “This is an opportunity for him to play shortstop … and he is very confident in his abilities to do that at a very good club.”
The Rangers have only appeared in two editions of the World Series, in 2010 and 2011, losing both times. In December, they reported that Isiah Kiner-Falefa, who will be 26 when the season begins, will receive the opportunity as a starting shortstop.
Andrus was then informed that he should prepare to play all positions in the infield.
This will not be necessary.
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