The Texas Rangers will have a big boost to their offense in 2014 after reportedly signing Shin-Soo Choo to a seven-year, $130 million contract.
Jon Heyman of CBS Sports first reported the deal:
Shin-Soo Choo has deal with rangers. 7 years. details to come.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeymanCBS) December 21, 2013
Choo deal is for $130M with texas
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeymanCBS) December 21, 2013
Yahoo! Sports' Jeff Passan confirmed and added more detail:
The Shin-Soo Choo deal is a straight seven-year, $130M deal with a limited no-trade clause and no opt-outs or options.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 21, 2013
Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports reports that the contract had first been proposed at winter meetings, and provided more details of the cash breakdown:
Source: #Rangers first offered Choo seven years after winter meetings. Final deal similar to that one. Stretched for player they wanted.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 21, 2013
Source: Choo and #Rangers shifted $5M from first year of seven-year $130M deal to 2016 and ’17, creating additional flexibility for ’14.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 21, 2013
Of course, Passan had previously reported that Choo and agent Scott Boras turned down a seven-year, $140 million offer from the New York Yankees.
Choo posted his third career 20-20 season in 2013 when he totaled 21 home runs and 20 stolen bases primarily as a leadoff hitter for the Cincinnati Reds. The 31-year-old batted .285, and his .423 on-base percentage ranked fourth in the majors.
While his on-base percentage in 2013 was a career-high, he's posted marks of .350 or better eight times. His mixture of speed, power and discipline at the plate make him one of the better leadoff hitters in the game.
He also showcased the ability to handle center field last season, although he mostly played right field throughout his seven years with the Cleveland Indians.
Of course, Choo comes with some negatives.
The left-hander struggled immensely against fellow lefties in 2013, hitting .215 against them compared to .317 against right-handed pitchers. He also did not have a single home run this past season against a southpaw in 181 at-bats (388 at-bats versus righties).
Additionally, this acquisition will cost the Rangers their first available draft pick because the Reds offered Choo a $14.1 million qualifying offer.
Despite the risks, this deal represents a big addition to a club that needs help in the outfield.
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