Yeah, I don't think he's been in the league long enough to get a no-trade clause negotiated in. If he had one of those, it would have been moot, because he couldn't have been traded.

It does seem like he was very up-front and honest about it. No pro team makes a trade for a player without talking to the player. You don't want someone who doesn't want to play for your team. They basically took a gamble that they'd be able to convince/force him to play a different position than 2nd base.

I wonder if his contract with the rangers said anything like "this is a contract for Soandso to play 2nd base for the Rangers."

I also don't know how good or bad his defense is, but if he plays 2nd base at all, anywhere, surely its at least passable. His offensive numbers are awesome for a 2nd baseman, and just good for an outfielder. I can totally see why he wouldn't want to move.