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Shin-Soo Choo Reportedly Signs 7-Year Contract with Texas Rangers

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:

Yahoo! Sports' Jeff Passan confirmed and added more detail:

Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports reports that the contract had first been proposed at winter meetings, and provided more details of the cash breakdown:

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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