Rangers sign Mike Minor to 3-year deal

The Texas Rangers have signed left-handed pitcher Mike Minor to a three-year deal worth a reported $28 million, according to Yahoo Sports' Jeff Passan.

In addition to a $1-million signing bonus, Minor will receive $8 million in 2018, and then $9.5 million in both 2019 and 2020, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram's Jeff Wilson reports.

Rangers general manager Jon Daniels said the team will use use Minor as a starter next season.

The option to start may have punched his ticket to Arlington. Minor said no other team was willing to give him a shot in the rotation, according to Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News.

Minor will also receive a 10-team no trade clause as part of the deal.

Prior to 2017, Minor had not played in the majors since starting 25 games for the Atlanta Braves in 2014. He wound up missing the next two seasons after undergoing surgery for a torn labrum.

When he finally returned this past season, the Kansas City Royals used him exclusively as a reliever. He found success, recording a 2.55 ERA and 2.62 FIP with a 10.20 K/9 in 65 appearances. His 77 2/3 innings was good for ninth-most among all relievers.

Minor joins right-handed starter Doug Fister as a new addition to the Rangers roster. The team remains in the hunt for Shohei Ohtani, who could also be part of the rotation plans for 2018 should the pursuit be successful.