Report: Ian Desmond Signs With Rockies
By: Josh Clark
DALLAS (105.3 The Fan) - Free agent outfielder Ian Desmond has reached an agreement with the Colorado Rockies, according to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports.
According to Jon Heyman of Fan Rag Sports, the deal is for five years and $70 million.
Desmond joined the Rangers on a one-year deal in March of 2016 after his market faltered in the off-season. He was a shortstop for his entire seven-year career with the Washington Nationals before becoming a corner outfielder and eventual center fielder with Texas when Delino DeShields continued to struggle. Desmond flashed his speed and arm while manning the position, but he wasn't perfect, however, because he did occasionally fail to make a routine play. Despite that, he did a solid job playing a position he'd rarely played before in the major leagues.
At the plate, Desmond started out hot, but cooled down considerably in the second half. He still managed to hit .285 with 22 home runs and 86 RBIs, earning him his second all-star appearance.
Desmond was also seen by many as a key figure in the Rangers clubhouse. He was already endearing to many Rangers fans in just his first season with the team.
Texas now must address the lack of power in the lineup with the departures of Desmond, Mitch Moreland (Red Sox), Carlos Beltran (Astros) and Prince Fielder (Retired), as those four players combined for 59 of the Rangers 215 home runs in 2016.
The club was able to re-sign free agent outfielder Carlos Gomez late Tuesday on a one-year deal. The signing gives the club some flexibility going forward, as they can still acquire a center fielder and move Gomez to left field. It would then enable them to keep Mazara in right and have Choo be the fourth outfielder and primary DH, as Jared Sandler noted.
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