Rangers, Desmond to discuss extension after season
The Texas Rangers aren't expected to discuss a contract extension with the resurgent Ian Desmond until after the season, but general manager Jon Daniels said the club would be foolish not to want to hang on to the shortstop-turned-outfielder.
"We'd be crazy not to want to continue the relationship," Daniels told Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram on Tuesday. "At the same time, we've got a good thing going on with the team, and no one involved wants a distraction. We all agree that it’s best to lay low, and, if and when we talk, to handle it privately."
Texas raised some eyebrows in February when they forfeited a draft pick to sign Desmond. The beleaguered shortstop committed 27 errors and only managed a .674 OPS last year but the Rangers have watched the 30-year-old reestablish himself as one of the game's best up-the-middle players over the last three months.
In 89 games this season, rotating between left and center field, Desmond has already accrued 4.4 WAR, hitting .322/.375/.524 with 15 homers and 15 stolen bases en route to his first All-Star appearance since 2012.
Not surprisingly, Desmond - who reportedly turned down a seven-year, $107-million extension offer from the Washington Nationals in 2014 - has enjoyed his time in Texas, restoring his value on a team that boasts a 5.5-game lead atop the American League West at the break.
“I’m having a great time here,” Desmond said.