The Texas Rangers hot stove was a little active on Sunday. They made three significant signings. The rumors and then signings just kept coming. It has been a long time since I have had to write an article like this the week of Thanksgiving. So I figured we would let you know the information you need about the day the hot stove overheated.
4:00 PM Central Standard Time
Jeff Passan reported that Marcus Semien would sign with the Rangers.
If you don’t know, Semien was third in the MVP voting in the American League in 2021. He is coming off a year where he hit 45 homers and batter .265/.334/.558. He played second base for the Blue Jays in 2021, which means the door is open for signing another infielder like Trevor Story. He also credits Ron Washington for turning him around defensively during their time together in Oakland. He is a very nice signing. I am not sure about the seven years, he is the oldest of the shortstop bunch, as he will be 38 at the end of this contract. He committed just 9 errors total in 148 games played. The Rangers have not said if he will play second base or shortstop yet.
5:00 PM Central Standard Time
Ken Rosenthal reported that the Rangers have agreed to terms with outfielder Kole Calhoun.
Calhoun spent 8 years with the Angels before heading to the Diamondbacks the past two seasons. He has a career batting average of .248, and in 2021 he hit just 5 homeruns in 56 games played. The Rangers like to take chances on veterans coming off a down year, and they have had some success doing so. This signing says a good bit about the current prospects the Rangers have in the outfield. I expect some players to be traded before the 2022 season is underway.
9:00 PM Central Standard Time
Jeff Passan tweeted that the Rangers have come to terms with Jon Gray.
In my opinion, Jon Gray is a really nice pickup for the Rangers. Gray started 29 games for the Rockies in 2021, eating up 149 innings. He struck out 157 batters while walking only 58. He has a career ERA of 4.59 in a very hitter friendly ballpark in Colorado. He is an immediate upgrade to the rotation. Globe Life Field should be good for him, and his ERA should go down pitching in Texas.
So in conclusion, the Rangers had a very good day on Sunday, and I feel like there is more to come. Hold on to your seats Rangers fans.
