Andrus Leaving Texas is Right Move for Both Parties

The Texas Rangers have dealt veteran shortstop Elvis Andrus to the Oakland Athletics on February 6 along with Aramis Garcia and $13.5 million for Khris Davis, Jonah Heim and Dan Acker. It’s not a surprise move considering the Rangers indicated a few months back that Andrus would no longer be their starter after a dozen years with the team.

Andrus is slated to earn $14 million in each of the next two seasons. The deal he signed in 2015 for eight years also includes an option for $15 for 2023. The move is great for the A’s, winners of the AL West last season because 2020 shortstop Marcus Semien left for the Blue Jays via free agency.

Oakland manager Bob Melvin is excited to have Andrus in the mix, indicating that he will fit in well with their infielders. He also noted the defensive ability and leadership qualities that Andrus displays. As for the Rangers, president Jon Daniels know from a career standpoint that Andrus understood the situation.  He knows it’s an opportunity to get a starting shortstop job back in another city and for the Rangers to move forward with their plans, which is to move Isiah Kiner-Falefa, who won the Gold Glove Award at third base last season to shortstop.

Andrus has a career batting average of .274 with 1734 hits, 305 stolen bases, and two All-Star appearances. However, he struggled last season to an average under .200 and was hampered with chronic lower back issues. He feels he still has a lot to offer and plans to show that with the Athletics this season.

As for Khris Davis, the 33-year-old had three straight 40-plus home run seasons and led all MLB players in 2018 with 48 home runs, but has fallen off the map since then. In 2019 his production dropped to 23 home runs and a .220 average and last year hit only two home runs in 99 at-bats over 30 games.  Davis, like Andrus, hopes that a change of scenery will rejuvenate his career. He has a career .243 batting average with 218 home runs.