I think the answer lies in a three way. Like Aldus Snow, from Get him to the Greek, the only way to save the Texas Ranger's off season is to get involved in the threesome. It is a simple, yet effective plan, trade Michael Young to a team (Orioles, Nationals, maybe Rockies), they send prospects to Kansas City and Zach Greinke goes to the Rangers. Losing Lee could have been disasterous, but adding Greinke and his friendly contract is much more appealing than spending 1/4 to 1/3 of your payroll on Lee.
At the same time, get on the phone and lock in Adrian Beltre. This will give you a vaccum cleaner at third with good power in a hitter friendly ball park. He should sign for a little less than Michael Young and provide similar numbers. There will be little pressure on Beltre, as a line up featuring Hamilton, Cruz, Andrus and Kinsler, so he is unlikely to relapse like in Seattle, where he was supposed to be a major cog. Two of the last three contract seasons Beltre has had no pressure and turned in huge years (Dodgers and BoSox).
This will still give the Rangers a front line starter and a strong offense. Young should be desirable, especially to a team that has a hard time attracting a big time free agent signee. The Orioles and the Nationals seem to be a toxic wasteland for free agents, so they would likely be willing to move towards Young.
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