Report: Rangers sign Lorenzen to 1-year, $4.5M deal

The Texas Rangers are signing right-hander Michael Lorenzen to a one-year contract worth $4.5 million, reports The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal.

The agreement is pending a physical. Lorenzen reportedly can earn an additional $2.5 million in incentives.

Lorenzen was named an All-Star last season after posting a 4.18 ERA in 153 innings between the Detroit Tigers and Philadelphia Phillies. He performed much better in Detroit (3.58 ERA) before a deadline deal sent him to Philadelphia (5.51 ERA).

The 32-year-old worked as a reliever for most of his career before becoming a full-time starter with the Los Angeles Angels in 2022. He also spent some time as an outfielder during his seven seasons with the Cincinnati Reds.

Lorenzen owns a lifetime ERA of 4.11 across 273 career relief appearances and 69 starts. He figures to work as a long reliever for the Rangers while providing insurance for a rotation that's already without Jacob deGrom, Max Scherzer, and Tyler Mahle to begin the season.