Former Colorado Rockies outfielder David Dahl has agreed to a one-year contract with the Texas Rangers, according to a report Friday.
According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, Dahl’s deal with the Rangers is for about $3 million. Dahl became a free agent after he was recently non-tendered by the Rockies. The deal is pending a physical, at which time the Rangers will officially announce the move.
Free agent outfielder David Dahl and the Texas Rangers are in agreement on a one-year deal for around $3 million, sources familiar with the agreement tell ESPN. The 26-year-old Dahl was nontendered by Colorado but should find plenty of playing time with the Rangers.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 11, 2020
Slowed by Injury
The 26-year-old appeared in 24 of the Rockies’ 60 games in 2020. A left-handed hitter, Dahl hit .183 with no homers and nine RBI in 99 plate appearances. Dahl’s scheduled salary for 2020 was $2.475 million.
Although he was coming off an All-Star selection in 2019, Dahl struggled with a right shoulder injury, which was his throwing shoulder. He tried to play through the ailment, but it affected his offensive performance and eventually forced Dahl to choose surgery.
Breakthrough Season
Dahl looked like he would be a long-term member of the Rockies based on his 2019 performance. He hit .302 with 15 homers and 61 RBI. He also scored 67 runs.
But his injury in 2020 continued a troubling health pattern for Dahl. He missed the entire 2017 due to a stress reaction in his ribs and also had a fractured foot in 2018.
From Left Field
With the Rangers, Dahl’s versatility will help him with playing time. Although primarily having played in left field, Dahl can also play center and right. Dahl likely will start in left, with Willie Calhoun possibly being the designated hitter.
Dahl could also provide a trade chip should he perform well for the rebuilding Rangers. On Monday, the Rangers traded pitcher Lance Lynn to the Chicago White Sox and also acquired first baseman Nate Lowe from the Tampa Bay Rays on Thursday.
Herget Returns
In another move, the Rangers announced the signing of of right-hander Jimmy Herget. Terms were not announced. Herget, who was non-tendered Dec. 2, was 1-0 with a 3.20 ERA in 20 games in 2020.
To make room on the 40-man roster, outfielder Scott Heineman was designated for assignment.
Main Photo: Embed from Getty Images
