Michael Young rumors: Phillies and Rangers discussing trade

Major League Baseball's winter meetings are entering their final day and the Philadelphia Phillies are currently talking with the Texas Rangers about a trade that would send infielder Michael Young to the Phillies. If the Phillies can make the deal, Young, along with Kevin Frandsen and Freddy Galvis could all be in the mix to play at third base.

CSNPhilly.com Phillies Insider Jim Salisbury acknowledges that acquiring Young will come at a price:

The first hurdle: Young, who has spent his entire 12-year career with Texas, has full no-trade rights and is deeply connected to the area. The second hurdle: He is signed for 2013 at $16 million, a high price for a 36-year-old player considered to be on the decline.

Young's numbers declined sharply in 2012, batting only .277 with eight home runs and 67 RBIs with a .687 OPS (on base plus slugging percentage). The Phillies hope that they can get production similar to 2011 where he averaged .338 at the plate with 11 home runs, 106 RBIs and a .854 OPS.

Right now the Phillies are trying to buy a little more time to develop prospect Cody Asche, who played for Double-A Reading last season.