Free-agent outfielder Shin-Soo Choo and the Texas Rangers have reached a seven-year, $130 million deal.
The deal isn’t official yet because Choo still has to pass a physical. There is no opt-out clause in Choo’s contract, however there is a limited no-trade provision and a performance bonus package. Choo’s signing come one month after the Rangers got All-star first baseman Prince Fielder in a trade with the Detroit Tigers. The Rangers made it to the World Series in 2010 and 2011 but lost to Tampa Bay in an Al wild card tiebreaker last year. This year the Rangers missed the playoffs for the first time in four years, according to the Associated Press. Choo’s deal is worth about $18.6 million per season, which is the third highest deal this offseason.
Choo could be in the middle of the Rangers lineup or at the top of it. He was the top leadoff hitter for the Cincinnati Reds this year with a .423 on-base percentage, a .285 batting average, 21 homeruns, 54 RBIs, 20 steals, and 107 runs scored, according to ESPN. In nine seasons with Seattle, Cleveland, and Cincinnati, Choo is a .288 career hitter with a .389 on-base percentage.
Choo joins the Rangers outfield which includes Alex Rios and Leonys Martin. The Rangers had to forfeit their first-round draft pick in order to sign Choo. The Rangers now have one of the best offensive players that are left in free agency and they hope that Choo can help improve their offense.