Michael Young May Be Held Hostage by Rangers

Michael Young has asked the Texas Rangers to trade him. Of course, they are willing to oblige... if it will improve the team.

The Rangers all-time hits leader is not impressed with his changing role, upon last month's signing of free agent third baseman Adrian Beltre. Young is expected to become the club's primary designated hitter, while serving as a utility man all over the infield.

General manager Jon Daniels had this to say about his longest-tenured player's unhappy disposition:

"Nothing is imminent... [Young] has changed his mind, had a change of heart about that role, and if we can accommodate his request, and in doing so upgrade the club, we certainly would like to do that. It certainly hasn’t gotten to a point where we’ve presented Michael with anything because he’s been clear on his feelings about [being traded to teams not on his list.]"

Young is owed $46 million over the remaining three seasons of his contract —- $15 million in each of the next two seasons and $16 million in 2013 -- and he's made it extra difficult as there are just eight teams not on his no-trade list.

The 34-year-old has spent his entire 10-year big league career with Texas, as a .300 career hitter whose 1,848 hits are the most in Rangers history. During that time, he enjoyed five consecutive 200-hit seasons from 2003-07, leading the American League with a .331 average in 2005 to win the batting title.

Team President Nolan Ryan, who had spoken with Young twice over the last few days, said he tried to assure the player that manager Ron Washington allow him just as much action at the plate as he has always gotten:

"Obviously at this point his mindset is that in the best interest of his career, it’d probably be better for him to move on and continue to play a position on a daily basis."

Stay tuned!

[ESPN Insider] | [MLB Trade Rumors]