Greg Bird Signs Minor League Deal With the Texas Rangers
Greg Bird has officially signed a minor league contract with the Texas Rangers. Bird was originally drafted in the fifth round by the New York Yankees in 2011.
Greg Bird to Rangers. Minors deal. @GeorgeAKingIII 1st
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) February 4, 2020
Early Days
Bird first appeared for the Yankees in late August of 2015 as a backup to both Mark Teixeira and Alex Rodriguez. An injury to Teixeira thrust Bird into the starting lineup for the remainder of the season and Bird didn’t disappoint. in 46 games, Bird hit .261 with 11 home runs and 31 RBIs.
The future looked bright for Bird’s Yankee career. His most memorable moments came in the 2017 playoffs where Bird had ten hits in 14 games including two doubles, three home runs, and six RBIs.
Injuries
Unfortunately for Bird, his career has been fraught with injuries. After a promising brief 2015 campaign, he missed all of 2016 with a right shoulder injury. In 2017 Bird played in only 48 games due to multiple right ankle surgeries. However, he played fairly well in the playoffs. He only appeared in 82 games in the 2018 season. The Yankees acquired Luke Voit midway through the season and he stabilized first base for the Yankees.
Bird was expected to compete for at-bats with Voit at first base last season but he lasted only 10 games before being placed on the IL. He never appeared in another game for New York.
With Voit, Mike Ford and now potentially Miguel Andujar emerging as options for the first base job, Bird was seen as expendable. The Yankees designated Bird for assignment on November 20th, 2019.
The Future
Bird is a very interesting buy-low option for the Rangers. Bird’s pop is intriguing and cannot be ignored by power-hungry clubs. He will have a legitimate shot at holding down a spot with the big club. His competition will be left-hander Ronald Guzman and utility man Danny Santana.
Bird has landed in a very good place to potentially rejuvenate his career. He now has an opportunity to reach the potential the New York Yankees saw in him. Bird will have to prove he can stay healthy and avoid the long injury stints he is prone to having.
