Ian Desmond: Signs one-year contract with Rangers

Desmond agreed to a one-year contract with the Rangers on Sunday, Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports reports.

Analysis:

The last of the big-name free agents still left out on the market, Desmond finally has a home, albeit for a shorter-term contract than he and his agent probably envisioned heading into the winter. The Rangers will need to get a bit creative to find a spot for Desmond, as the team already has Elvis Andrus and Rougned Odor in the fold at shortstop and second base, respectively. Both Andrus and Odor are superior defenders to Desmond, so look for the Rangers to give the 30-year-old a look in left field during spring training, where his path to playing time could be easier with Josh Hamilton (knee) set to begin the season the DL. Desmond could be at risk of losing at-bats once Hamilton is healthy and/or top prospects Joey Gallo and Nomar Mazara enter the outfield mix, but because of his power and speed combination along with the fact that he'll still retain shortstop eligibility in most formats, Desmond still profiles as one of the stronger fantasy options at his position.