Texas seeks turn behind big firms

ARLINGTON — The Texas Rangers broke their spending records after losing 102 games last season, signing Corey Seager and Marcus Semien to long-term deals.

Both infielders account for most of the more than 500 million dollars committed to new players.

Texas also signed right-hander Jon Gray, who will start on opening day, and made other key additions.

“Jumping from 60 to 100 wins is probably not realistic,” said Chris Young, the general manager. But he doesn’t rule anything out when considering the expanded format of the playoffs.

The Rangers rely on a lot of young pitchers in the rotation and bullpen. Texas used a record 26 rookies in 2021, its fifth straight losing season.

“Some teams go down the rebuild path with a young core of two or three years old. They develop them and debut in the majors, go through the learning curve and then add the kind of impact players,” said Jon Daniels, president of the equipment. “We chose to add impact players a year before that.”

Manager Chris Woodward noted the good attitude in the clubhouse despite poor results, and it should only get better with the additions of veterans like Seager, Semien, Gray and outfielder Kole Calhoun.

“The next point … will be creating the expectation of winning every day,” Woodward said. “That’s what we haven’t had here and I’m excited to be able to have it.”

In addition to shortstop Seager ($325 million/10 years) and second baseman Semien ($175 million/7 years), the Rangers have a new battery in Gray ($6 million/four years) and catcher Mitch Garver, who was acquired from Minnesota when infielder Isiah Kiner-Falefa was traded at the start of spring training.

Gray, 30, went 53-49 with a 4.59 ERA in seven seasons pitching home games at Colorado. Garver, 31, hit 13 homers with 34 RBIs in 68 games with the Twins last year, when he underwent surgery after being hit on a foul ball in the groin area. He hit 31 home runs in 93 games in 2019.

Versatile Brad Miller could be the starting left fielder after signing a two-year, $10 million deal before the start of spring training. He hit 20 homers for Philadelphia last season and has started in every outfield and infield position in his career.

Martín Pérez received 4 million to return to Texas after three years away. The left-handed starter played his first seven seasons in the big leagues (2012-18) with the Rangers.

Cuban outfielder Adolis Garcia was an All-Star last season, when he set Rangers records with 31 home runs and 90 RBIs and tied for the major league lead with 16 outfield assists. He was the only one of 29 arbitration-eligible players not signed to a one-year deal this spring. The 29-year-old Cuban will earn $714,000, an increase of more than $140,000, but only $14,000 more than the minimum salary in the majors.

Third baseman Josh Jung, the eighth overall pick in the 2019 draft, was going to have a shot at a roster spot, but he had labrum surgery on his left shoulder and won’t be available until after the season closes.