By Zach Links [December 20, 2012 at 4:58pm CST]
The Rangers and A.J. Pierzynski have agreed to terms on a one-year deal, according to Jim Bowden of ESPN.com (via Twitter). Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports (via Twitter) first reported that the two sides were closing in on a deal.
The Octagon client met with Rangers brass on Tuesday in Arlington and the club reportedly has done extensive homework on him. Pierzynski would fill a major gap behind the plate for the Rangers, who lost Mike Napoli. The catcher posted a .278/.326/.501 batting line in 520 plate appearances with 27 home runs in 2012. Pierzynski also appeared in 135 games, reaching the 100 games threshold for the 12th consecutive season.
Texas lost out on a big name free agent earlier today when Edwin Jackson agreed to a four-year, $52MM deal. If Pierzynski signs with the Rangers, he'll have Geovany Soto as his primary backup with Eli Whiteside as an additional option. The 35-year-old ranked 30th in MLBTR's list of top 50 free agents this winter and Tim Dierkes correctly predicted that he would sign with the Rangers.
Pierzynski also fills the Rangers' need for left-handed hitting as their lineup is predominantly right-handed. The veteran can also be expected to see time at DH for Texas. The Yankees were also in the mix for Pierzynski, but were less-than-enthused about his defensive skills. Yankees GM Brian Cashman confirmed earlier this month that he checked in with Pierzynski's representatives.
Read more at
http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/texas_rangers/index. html#Vi51qIAm1ikXKQIV.99
