Following the news that the Texas Rangers will be without outfielder Josh Hamilton at the start of the season, the team has reportedly made a signing to address replacing Hamilton’s bat in the lineup. The Rangers have reportedly signed former Washington Nationals shortstop Ian Desmond to a one-year deal for $8 million. The deal is pending a physical.
Desmond deal is for $8M, 1 year #rangers
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) February 28, 2016
Desmond, 30, played shortstop almost exclusively for the Nationals, will be moving to the outfield in Texas.
The Nationals had made a one-year qualifying offer to Desmond, and as a result the Rangers will forfeit their first round pick (19th overall) to Washington. The Rangers got the 30th overall pick from the Orioles this week, as Baltimore signed Yovani Gallardo.
Ian Desmond hit .233/.290/.384 with 19 home runs last season. He is a career .264/.312/.424 hitter with 110 home runs.
Reaction from Desmond’s new teammates at training camp has been swift.
“He brings a certain kind of energy,” pitcher Cole Hamels said to the Rangers official website. “He’s got tremendous power. It’s nice to have a nice right-handed bat in our lineup to balance out the lefties. He’ll be an outstanding addition, and it’ll be fun to see him when he gets here in a couple of days.”
“It’s an awesome feeling,” pitcher Derek Holland said. “When the staff goes out and gets these guys, it shows how bad they want to win, and they want to do it right now. It’s a great thing to be part of. Desmond will fit in perfect, and I’m sure he’s happy to be here.”
Main Photo Caption: MIAMI, FL – SEPTEMBER 11: Ian Desmond #20 of the Washington Nationals in action during the game against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park on September 11, 2015 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Getty Images)
