Ian Desmond has averaged more than 150 games played, 50 extra-base hits and 20 stolen bases over the past six years for Washington.
With Josh Hamilton expected to miss the first few weeks of the regular season following another knee injury, the Rangers signed free agent Ian Desmond to a one-year contract worth $8 million on Monday.
Despite being a shortstop for nearly his entire professional career, Desmond will make the transition to left field for Texas – and the starting job is now his to lose.
“This wasn’t a desperation move,” Desmond said of his willingness to become an outfielder. “This was me getting to free agency and deciding as a man that I was ready to make a change.”
The 30-year-old Desmond had been with the Washington franchise since being taken by Montreal in the third round of the 2004 amateur draft, making his big-league debut for the Nationals in 2009.
He made one start in the outfield during his rookie season and logged one-third of an inning in right the following year, but that’s been the extent of his defensive experience beyond the middle infield at the major-league level.
Lack of experience, however, was not a factor when Desmond made the choice to accept his new role with Texas.
“In joining this team, I did my research, and this is an unbelievable group of guys who do what’s necessary to win,” he said. “I consider myself a team guy. Obviously I respect every position and the challenges, but as far as swallowing my pride and moving to the outfield, that’s not a problem.”
Desmond’s greatest value lies in his offensive production, and he will now be counted upon to fill the hole in the Texas lineup caused by Hamilton’s absence.
From 2012 to ’14, Desmond had put together three consecutive seasons with at least 20 home runs, 21 stolen bases and 73 runs batted in, taking home the National League Silver Slugger award for shortstops all three years.
His numbers dipped a bit last season, but he is still considered an offensive upgrade over the 12 different left fielders Texas used in 2015.
Desmond had declined the Nationals’ qualifying offer of $15.8 million last winter, and in 2014 he reportedly turned down a seven-year, $107 million contract extension.
Right-handed pitcher Tanner Scheppers was placed on the 60-day disabled list in order to accommodate Desmond on the Rangers’ 40-man roster.
As for Hamilton – who had two operations performed on his left knee last fall – he was diagnosed with inflammation and received stem cell and platelet rich plasma injections in the knee.
Stubbs Agrees to Minor-League Deal
The Rangers re-signed outfielder Drew Stubbs on Saturday to a minor-league contract that includes an invitation to big-league camp in Arizona.
Stubbs, 31, appeared in 27 games for Texas last season after he was released by Colorado in mid-August.
The University of Texas product was used mainly as a late-inning defensive replacement last year, and he could have the upper hand for a backup role this spring because of his ability to play center field.
All Players Now Under Contract
The ballclub wrapped up its offseason contract negotiations this week when it signed right-hander Nick Martinez and left-handers Alex Claudio and Yohander Mendez to one-year deals.
Last weekend the team had agreed to terms with 17 other pre-arbitration eligible players: infielders Hanser Alberto, Joey Gallo, Pat Kivlehan and Rougned Odor; outfielders Delino DeShields, Nomar Mazara and Ryan Rua; and pitchers Sam Dyson, Andrew Faulkner, Sam Freeman, Chi Chi Gonzalez, Luke Jackson, Keone Kela, Phil Klein, Jose Leclerc, Anthony Ranaudo and Connor Sadzeck.
Nate's Notes 
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