Phillies, Rangers talk about trade for Michael Young

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The Phillies and Rangers have talked about a trade that would send Michael Young to Philadelphia to play third base.

Sources confirmed that the two teams have discussed the deal, and the Dallas Morning News reported late Wednesday night that the teams were in "advanced talks." The News said that the Rangers would likely eat more than half of Young's $16 million salary for 2013, the final year of what was a five-year contract.

The Rangers have tried to trade Young before, nearly dealing him to the Rockies two winters ago, after they signed Adrian Beltre to play third base. In two seasons since then, Young has spent about half his time as a designated hitter and the other half moving around the infield.

Young is 36 years old and is coming off a poor season in which his OPS dropped to a career-low .682. He would still be a significant upgrade for the Phillies, who at this point have only Kevin Frandsen and Freddy Galvis as possible third basemen.