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Former Texas Rangers centerpiece Shin-Soo Choo announced he'll retire after the 2024 season.
Choo, 41, played 16 seasons in the Majors, including the final seven with the Rangers. He was a very respected player in the Texas clubhouse.
He has played with the SSG Landers in the Korean Baseball Organizations since 2021. He batted .254 with 12 home runs, and 41 RBI in 2023.
He batted .260 with 114 homers and 355 RBI in seven seasons in Arlington and earned an All-Star selection in 2018. After coming up through the Seattle Mariners organization, Choo played seven seasons with the Cleveland before playing with Cincinnati in 2013. He signed as a free agent with the Rangers in December 2013.
Rangers Signing Reliever Jesus Tinoco, Per Reports
The Texas Rangers made another move to potentially address the bullpen by signing free-agent reliever Jesus Tinoco to a minor league deal, according to MLB insider Jon Heyman.
The Rangers have yet to officially announce the deal.
Tinoco, 28, pitched for Seibu in the NPB in 2023, logging 50 innings in 52 appearances. He struck out 43 and walked 22.
The right-handed Venezuelan was part of the Rangers organization in 2022, pitching for Triple-A Round Rock before a September callup. Tinoco posted a 2.18 ERA in 20 2/3 innings over 17 games. He notably gave up the American League-record 62nd home run to New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge late in the season.
Tinoco started his professional career in the Toronto Blue Jays organization before being traded to the Colorado Rockies in 2015. He’s also spent time with the Miami Marlins.
Newest Rangers Reliever Given Idea of 2024 Role
Though the Texas Rangers have yet to define bullpen roles for 2024, new reliever Kirby Yates has a general idea of what’s expected after signing a one-year contract with the World Series champions.
“They just mentioned back end of the bullpen and that would be that,” Kirby said during an appearance on MLB Network. “I think bullpen is always kind of a thing like you pitch yourself into a role, you pitch yourself out of roles. That’s just kind of the way it is.”
Whether that role is in the late in ballgames or the ninth inning remains to be seen.
Yates is excited about joining the “electric arms” in the Texas bullpen, specifically mentioning José Leclerc and Josh Sborz. And then there’s being managed by Bruce Bochy.
“Any chance you get to be part of a bullpen run by Boch, you take advantage of that,” Yates said. “I did.”
Charlie Brown, Snoopy Bobblehead Released
If you’re looking for that perfect gift for the Texas Rangers fan in your life, the Charlie Brown & Snoopy Peanuts 2023 World Series Champions Trophy Dual Bobblehead dropped Saturday morning from FOCO.
The bobblehead portrays Charlie Brown and Snoopy posing in the Rangers’ white gameday uniform, ready to celebrate the champs in style. Both Charlie Brown and Snoopy are shown holding bat and glove atop a thematic base that features a scoreboard, tree and fence accents to make it feel more like the ballpark.
The focal point of the bobblehead is the miniature championship trophy on top of the base. It’s limited to 144 units, retails for $90 and stands at 5 inches tall. It’s available, along with more Rangers collectibles, here at FOCO.com.
Adolis Garcia Gets New York Love, Tied to Babe Ruth
Texas Rangers playoff hero Adolis García sure looked like Babe Ruth during the run to the World Series championship.
Now they will forever be linked.
García won the Babe Ruth Award as the 2023 postseason MVP, as voted on by the New York chapter of the Baseball Writers’ Association of America.
García hit .323 with eight homers with 22 RBI in 15 games as the Rangers won their first title by beating the Arizona Diamondbacks in five games.
He was the American League Championship Series MVP after helping the Rangers beating the Houston Astros in seven games. At one point, he hit home runs in five consecutive postseason games, including the walk-off homer in Game 1 of the World Series.
Rangers Insider Lists Potential Pitching Trade Targets
The Texas Rangers will be active in free agency. The World Series champions are constantly linked to the likes of Shohei Ohtani and Josh Hader, as well as bringing back Jordan Montgomery.
But as one club insider point out, the trade market is a definite route to improving the roster. Rangers radio broadcaster Jared Sandler of 105.3 The Fan said to keep an eye on certain starting pitchers during an appearance on NBC 5’s “Big Game Sunday.”
“They’ve got some depth in certain areas that might allow them to get creative, so if the numbers don’t make sense on some of these free agents at the top of the market, I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Rangers in on maybe a guy like Corbin Burnes or someone like Dylan Cease or someone in that trade market,” Sandler told host Newy Scruggs. “What about a guy like Tyler Glasnow?”
Sander also addressed the Rangers’ depth, top prospect Wyatt Langford and a Dec. 3 event at Globe Life Field from The Sandlot Children's Charity. Check out the entire conversation on nbcdfw.com.
Yankees After Free Agent Jordan Montgomery
The Texas Rangers obviously want Jordan Montgomery back. The left-handed starter starred in the postseason, as the Rangers captured the first World Series championship in franchise history.
Montgomery is a priority for Texas in free agency. Just as he is for other clubs.
The New York Yankees and St. Louis Cardinals are mentioned often when it comes to pursuing Montgomery. He also previously pitched for both teams before coming to the Rangers. The Boston Red Sox have also met with Montgomery’s representation.
A recent report from Jon Heyman in the New York Post again reiterated the Yankees’ interest.
The Yankees have been particular about rotation targets, looking at Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Jordan Montgomery but not some others.
There’s also a growing belief in the industry that Montgomery will return to Texas. But until his signature hits a contract, the speculation will continue.
Prospect Standing Out in Winter Ball
Baseball is slowing down in the USA, but the offseason isn’t without real games still going on. The Winter League are going strong, and the Texas Rangers are represented in those warm-weather countries that are hitting the diamond.
MLB.com recently posted a list of seven prospects standing out in winter ball. Cole Winn, the No. 28 prospect in the Rangers system, made the list for his standout play in Puerto Rico.
Winn made a name for himself in 2021 when he appeared in the All-Star SiriusXM Futures Game in the midst of a breakout season. He has been inconsistent the past two seasons, but he showed some flashes of his potential in 2023 with Triple-A Round Rock, twice taking home PCL Pitcher of the Week honors. So far in his first winter ball campaign, Winn has seven strikeouts in 10 innings – good for second on the club in punchouts.
Josh Jung Honored by Texas Tech
The victory lap for the Texas Rangers will likely continue right up to Spring Training, as the World Series champs enjoy their historic accomplishment at ports near and far.
Josh Jung is the latest to feel the love of Rangers fans, both long-time and adopted.
The third baseman visited his old stomping grounds on Saturday, getting introduced during the second half of Texas Tech’s football game against Central Florida at Jones AT&T Stadium.
It’s been an interesting offseason already for Jung, who starred on the Red Raiders baseball team from 2017-19. Despite an outstanding first season as the starting third baseman and an All-Star berth, Jung wasn’t a finalist for American League Rookie of Year or receive Gold Glove consideration.
GM Young Addresses Free Agent Kershaw
If there’s a team Clayton Kershaw would leave the Los Angeles Dodgers for, it’s the Texas Rangers.
The chance to pitch back home for the Dallas native has tugged at Kershaw for the past two offseasons. He’s a free agent again, but the circumstances are different for 2024.
Kershaw is coming off shoulder surgery and likely won’t be ready for the start of next season. When he comes back is currently uncertain, though the 35-year-old three-time Cy Young Award winner hopes to pitch “at some point next summer.”
Could the Rangers be a landing spot? Texas general manager Chris Young is neighbors with Kershaw in Dallas, and was asked about the left-hander during the recently completed general managers meetings in Scottsdale.
“I can’t speak about any specific free agent,” Young said, according to The Orange County Register. “But certainly, as a friend, I wish Clayton the best.”
The Dodgers certainly want Kershaw back.
“We are very respectful of Clayton and Ellen’s decision and giving them the time and space to make the best decision for their family,” Dodgers president Friedman told the Register. “But selfishly, we hope it’s to continue and finish his career in Dodger blue.”
FOCO Releases Semien, Seager Silver Slugger Bobbleheads
FOCO has released the Silver Slugger bobbleheads for Marcus Semien, Corey Seager and a commemorative Silver Slugger Team Award that was bestowed upon them as the American League’s best offensive team.
The Seager and Semien bobbles feature both sluggers in hitting poses holding a thematic silver bat. They stand atop a batting box themed base with their names displayed in front. The backboard of the bobblehead features the Louisville Silver Slugger logo, the team logo, and a plaque commemorating the details about the respective players’ award.
Each one is limited 123 units, retails for $75, and stands at 8 inches tall.
The Silver Slugger Team Award bobblehead is similar to the individual ones but feature both Semien and Seager on the same bobblehead. They stand atop a thematic Silver Slugger base with the team logo on the bottom of the base and plaques for each of the players on the back.
This one is limited to 96 units, retails for $100, and stands at 5 inches tall.
Order your Silver Slugger bobbleheads, as well as view more Texas Rangers collectibles, at FOCO.com.
Voting Open for All-MLB Team
The Texas Rangers have eight nominees for the fifth annual All-MLB Team were announced this week, meaning it’s time for fans to help select the winners.
Fans can vote once every 24 hours between now and 8 p.m. ET on Nov. 19. Winners will be announced on Dec. 16, with 50% of the vote coming from fans and 50% coming from a panel of experts. See here for more details about the All-MLB selection process, as well as a full list of nominees by position.
Most 2023 All-MLB nominees by team
10: Astros
9: Braves
8: Rangers
7: Rays
6: D-backs, Dodgers, Mariners, Orioles, Padres
Here’s the Rangers’ list: Aroldis Chapman, RP; Nathan Eovaldi, SP; Adolis García, OF; Jonah Heim, C; Josh Jung, 3B; Jordan Montgomery, SP; Corey Seager, SS; Marcus Semien, 2B.
World Series Trophy Coming to Fort Worth, Billy Bob's
After the Texas Rangers’ run to their first-ever World Series championship, team leaders are coming to Fort Worth to showcase the Commissioner’s Trophy to city leadership and receive a Key to the City from Fort Worth mayor Mattie Parker.
Event details
- The Thursday, Nov. 9, event is free and open to the public and will take place at iconic Billy Bob’s Texas (2520 Rodeo Plaza).
- A free show from Squeezebox Bandits starts at 12:30 p.m., followed by the brief presentation ceremony at 1:30 p.m.
- At the ceremony, representatives from the Texas Rangers organization will showcase the Commissioner’s Trophy and Fort Worth mayor Mattie Parker will present a Key to the City.
- Billy Bob’s Texas opens at 11 a.m. and the showroom opens at noon.
- Paid parking is available in several lots in the area.
The ceremony will be live-streamed on FWTV.
"This is a momentous occasion for Fort Worth, North Texas and all Texas Rangers fans," Parker said. "We are thrilled to host this event at Billy Bob’s in the iconic Fort Worth Stockyards and celebrate the team’s remarkable achievement. It’s an honor for our city to be a part of Texas Rangers history."
Seager, Semien Set Club First in MVP Voting
Texas Rangers shortstop Corey Seager, second baseman Marcus Semien and manager Bruce Bochy are finalists for awards presented by the Baseball Writers Association of American (BBWAA), it was announced Monday in a televised special on MLB Network.
Seager and Semien join Los Angeles Angels’ Shohei Ohtani as finalists for the 2023 American League Most Valuable Player Award. Bochy is a finalist for American League Manager of the Year. All voting was completed prior to the start of the 2023 postseason. The MVP award winner will be announced Nov. 16, while the manager award winner will be revealed Nov. 14.
The Rangers have never had two players finish in the top three in A.L. MVP voting, although the club has had two of the top five on three previous occasions: 1974 (Jeff Burroughs-1st; Fergie Jenkins-5th), 1999 (Iván Rodríguez-1st; Rafael Palmeiro-5th), and 2012 (Adrián Beltré-3rd; Josh Hamilton-5th). The last Texas player to win the MVP Award was Josh Hamilton in 2010.
This will be just the fifth time in the last 24 years beginning 2000 for a team to have two of the top three finishers in American League MVP voting. The others: 2021 Toronto Blue Jays (Vladimir Guerrero Jr.-2nd, Marcus Semien-3rd), 2009 New York Yankees (Mark Teixeira-2nd; Derek Jeter-3rd), 2008 Boston Red Sox (Dustin Pedroia-1st; Kevin Youkilis-3rd), and 2001 Seattle Mariners (Ichiro Suzuki-1st; Bret Boone-3rd).
No Texas player has been a finalist for one of the three BBWAA awards since Yu Darvish finished second in A.L. Cy Young Award voting in 2013. The last time any Ranger was a finalist for the A.L. MVP Award came in 2012, when Adrián Beltré (3rd) and Josh Hamilton (5th) were both among the five individuals tabbed in the initial year of the BBWAA announcing finalists.
Bochy’s only career Manager of the Year Award came with San Diego in 1996. He was a N.L. Manager of the Year finalist in both 2012, when he finished third behind Washington’s Davey Johnson and Cincinnati’s Dusty Baker, and 2014, when he was also third behind Washington’s Matt Williams and Pittsburgh’s Clint Hurdle. Bochy returned to the dugout in 2023 for his first season as Rangers manager, guiding Texas to the largest increase in regular season winning percentage from 2022-23 among MLB clubs. Bochy also secured his fourth career World Series title as a manager (also 2010-12-14 with San Francisco).
Seager was previously a finalist for National League MVP with the Dodgers in 2016, when he finished third in voting behind the Cubs’ Kris Bryant, who received 29 of 30 first place votes, and the Nationals’ Daniel Murphy. Seager slashed .327/.390/.623/1.013 (156-477) with 33 home runs, 42 doubles, and 96 RBI across 119 games in 2023. Despite missing 43 games due to a pair of stints on the Injured List, the World Series MVP still ranked among A.L. qualifiers this season in doubles (1st), batting average (2nd), OPS (2nd), slugging pct. (2nd), extra-base hits (T2nd, 75), on-base pct. (3rd), home runs (T5th), and RBI (T10th).
Semien is an American League MVP finalist for the third time, finishing third in both 2021, to the Angels’ Shohei Ohtani and Blue Jays teammate Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and in 2019 to the Angels’ Mike Trout and Astros’ Alex Bregman. Semien batted .276/.348/.478/.826 (185-670) with 29 home runs, 4 triples, 29 doubles, 100 RBI, and 122 runs over 162 games this season. He ranked among American League leaders in hits (1st), runs (1st), plate appearances (1st, club-record 753), at-bats (1st, 670), times on base (2nd, 262), total bases (2nd, 320), doubles (3rd), and RBI (T4th). Including the postseason, Semien started each of the Rangers’ 179 games in 2023, setting Major League single-season records for games started and plate appearances (835).
More must-reads:
- Mets to promote top pitching prospect for MLB debut
- Cubs catcher lost to horrific-looking injury on same day he returns from IL
- The 'American League WAR leaders' quiz
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TODAY'S BEST
Phillies superstar may be building Hall of Fame case
Philadelphia Phillies designated hitter Kyle Schwarber is in the midst of another impressive season. Schwarber entered Wednesday having posted a .249/.373/.578 batting line in his 528 plate appearances this season, hitting 42 homers while driving in a National League-leading 97 runs. The Phillies slugger was named to his third All-Star Game this season and, according to NBA Hall of Famer Charles Barkley, he should be the NL MVP. Schwarber has been one of baseball's premier power hitters since establishing himself in the majors in 2017. He's in his eighth season of hitting 30 or more homers and has reached the 40-homer plateau three times in his four seasons in Philadelphia. The 32-year-old Schwarber may find himself in elite company when his career comes to an end. He has already hit 326 homers in his career, potentially giving him a chance to reach the 500-home run plateau. If Schwarber does hit 500-plus homers, the narrative around his career may change. There have only been 28 players in MLB history to reach that plateau, 19 of whom are in the Hall of Fame. Two players — Albert Pujols and Miguel Cabrera — are not yet eligible and are expected to be enshrined on the first ballot. The seven players who have not been inducted into the Hall of Fame have been linked to PED use, torpedoing their candidacy. At the same time, his entire candidacy may be based on his home run total. Schwarber has a lifetime .232/.346/.499 batting line over 5,188 plate appearances; although batting average no longer carries much weight for the voters, he would have the lowest batting average of any non-pitcher in the Hall. His 20.7 fWAR has been dragged down by his defense and is unlikely to make him a favorite among the younger voters who put more emphasis on such metrics. Schwarber is marching toward the 500-home run plateau. If he does reach that mark, he could be a polarizing Hall of Fame candidate.
Patriots have big Drake Maye concern surface at Vikings' joint practice
Defense ruled the day during the joint practice between the New England Patriots and Minnesota Vikings. Per Chad Graff of The Athletic, the Patriots defense did a masterful job of disrupting Vikings second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy at Wednesday's practice. However, New England's offensive line was unable to allow Drake Maye to have enough time to finish plays. "Even with four new expected starters up front following last year’s debacle, Wednesday suggested that there will likely be some bumps ahead for this offensive line," Graff wrote. "Sure, going up against the Vikings was always going to be a difficult task. Greenard has been wrecking his own team’s practices in training camp, and everyone in New England knows how good Flores’ scheme can be. But the domination was so thorough by the Vikings’ front seven that three straight plays at one point would’ve resulted in a sack." Maye showed flashes of promise when he had time to throw downfield or was able to use his legs to buy time or scramble when pressure came. The concern is that the offensive line won't allow Maye enough time to even scramble, so he can make throws. Graff has noticed the same issues that happened on Wednesday have been a constant at training camp against the Patriots defense. With a new-look offensive line that includes first-round pick Will Campbell at left tackle, the Patriots are expected to have some bumps at training camp and in September. New England's offense probably won't look great out of the gate while the offensive line develops in offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels' scheme. If and when the offensive line improves, Maye will have a chance to show off the arm that made him the No. 3 pick in 2024. For now, the offensive line is a concern much like it was last season.
Commanders have major hang-up preventing them from paying Terry McLaurin what he's due
It’s been two weeks since Washington Commanders star wide receiver Terry McLaurin publicly revealed his trade request, and a resolution doesn’t appear to be in sight. Thanks to ESPN’s John Keim, we’re starting to get more insight into how the Commanders are approaching negotiations…and how they run counter to their star wide receiver’s financial desires. As we’ve assumed all along, the Commanders are wary of giving McLaurin a lucrative contract that would extend well into the player’s 30s. As Keim notes, the Commanders “rely heavily on analytics,” and those numbers aren’t particularly kind to receivers on the wrong side of 30. They may be onto something. Per ESPN Research, over the past five years, only three receivers 31 years or older have played at least 10 games and averaged 70-plus receiving yards per game (that number jumps to six players if you adjust for 60-plus receiving yards). Further, the team can simply point to the NFL landscape, as other teams are also clearly wary of paying aging wideouts. Among the 24 active wide receivers who are attached to the most guaranteed money, only Tyreek Hill was older than 30 when the deal was signed. McLaurin has continually pointed to his lack of mileage despite his age; he barely played during his first two years at Ohio State, meaning he may not have the same wear and tear as similar players his age. McLaurin is also naturally pointing to the stat sheet, as the receiver has continually produced despite uncertain QB play, uncertain ownership and a handful of different coaching staffs. Per Keim, the Commanders don’t want to pay McLaurin based on his past performance, with the front office preferring to shape any future contracts based on his projections for age-31-plus seasons. The organization also doesn’t want to set a new precedent by paying McLaurin, as it could convince future veterans to push for lucrative deals in their 30s. While McLaurin has taken the drastic measure of requesting a trade out of Washington, the organization is still convinced they have leverage in this showdown. After all, the player is still under contract for the 2025 campaign, meaning McLaurin will have to forfeit game checks if he sits out games. The team could even choose to slap him with the franchise tag next offseason (which could come in north of $30M), meaning they’re in full control of the player’s fate moving forward. The team is also skeptical that another suitor is going to willingly pay McLaurin the type of money he’s seeking. Per Keim, there are doubts around the league about whether another team would be willing to meet the receiver’s demands. Even if a clear suitor does emerge, Keim makes it clear that Washington’s front office won’t give the star away without receiving a haul. We heard recently that McLaurin wasn’t necessarily seeking a deal that matched fellow 2019 draftee D.K. Metcalf‘s deal with the Steelers. However, Keim says Metcalf’s contract has generally served as a guide for McLaurin, but it’s uncertain whether the Commanders wideout is looking to match the AAV ($33M) or total guarantees ($60M). Ultimately, one source believes the Commanders may agree to pay McLaurin a contract that will pay $28M per year. Of course, it’s uncertain if the player would even accept that offer. If that hypothetical maximum offer doesn’t end in a signing, a divorce may be the logical next step.
Former Oregon WR's career may have new life after transfer decision
Ryan Pellum's career with the Oregon Ducks was over before it even started, but it may have new life. The former four-star wideout from Long Beach, California, was ranked as the No. 26 wide receiver in the 2024 class, according to the 247Sports Composite. Pellum took a redshirt last season at Oregon before hitting the transfer portal in January. He was then arrested and charged with assault with use of a firearm after he allegedly pistol-whipped someone in his hometown on Christmas Day in 2024. In June, Pellum was sentenced to probation as part of a plea deal, and now he's trying to get his college football hopes back on track. As such, it's being reported that Pellum will transfer to Delaware State for the 2025 season. Notably, he'll be joining up with former NFL star and three-time Pro Bowler DeSean Jackson, who is heading into his first season as the Hornets' head coach. As a senior in high school, Pellum caught 66 passes for 991 yards and 11 touchdowns. He was at one time committed to USC, but he flipped to Dan Lanning and the Ducks on signing day. Delaware State, located in Dover, Delaware, is an FCS program that is a part of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC). The Hornets went 2-21 over the past two seasons under head coach Lee Hull, who was fired less than two years after he took over the program.
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