Report: Contract talks between Rangers, Desmond intensifying
A return to Texas could be on the horizon for free agent Ian Desmond.
Contract negotiations between the Rangers and Desmond's camp have recently "intensified," a source told Jon Morosi of FOX Sports.
He's expected to sign a four-year deal, Morosi reports, citing a source with knowledge of Desmond's market.
The 31-year-old signed a one-year, $8-million deal with the Rangers in 2015 after rejecting a $15.8-million qualifying offer last offseason from his former team, the Washington Nationals. The contract worked out for both parties, as Desmond went on to have a productive year in Arlington, slashing .285/.335/.446 with 22 home runs and 86 RBIs - the second-highest total of his career.
Desmond's transition from shortstop to full-time outfielder also went fairly well this past season. He posted minus-4 defensive runs saved to go along with a minus-1.5 ultimate zone rating, both considered just below league average, according to FanGraphs.
The Rangers' need for a center fielder is well-known. The team has already been linked to free agent Dexter Fowler, as well as a trade for Pittsburgh Pirates star Andrew McCutchen.
Despite his impressive numbers, the market for Desmond has been quiet, though the Baltimore Orioles were reportedly interested in his services earlier in the offseason.