CBS’s Jon Heyman is reporting that the Texas Rangers have signed outfielder Shin-Soo Choo to a 7-year contract. As of right now, financial details are unavailable, considering that he reportedly turned down a 7-year and $140 million offer from the New York Yankees it could be a substantial amount. (UPDATE: Heyman is now reporting that it is a $130 million deal).
For Rangers outfielder Nelson Cruz it means he’ll likely not be re-signing with the club. They’ve already traded for Detroit Tigers first baseman Prince Fielder and his bat makes Cruz expendable.
The Rangers will likely look at Choo as a “table-setter” after a .423 on-base percentage with the Cincinnati Reds last season. Between Choo and Fielder, the Rangers have to feel confident in their line-up after a disappointing 2013 season. It also helps them defensively
The Rangers might have made themselves the favorite heading into the 2014 season in a very competitive division. The Rangers are still looking to regain the form that took them to two straight World Series and they’ve made big strides to bolster their offense this winter.
This signing will cost the Rangers its first available draft pick because the Reds offered Choo a $14.1 million qualifying offer.