Arlington, TX (SportsNetwork.com) - Shin-Soo Choo, one of the most sought- after free agents this offseason, has found a suitor in the Texas Rangers.
Choo and the Rangers agreed on a seven-year contract Friday, whose $130- million price tag was previously reported by CBSSports.com.
"My intention is for Choo to be the leadoff hitter, but he brings versatility to the lineup and the batting order," said Rangers manager Ron Washington at a press conference introducing Choo.
Choo is coming off a season that saw him post a career-high .423 on-base percentage in 154 games for the Reds, whose $14.1 million qualifying offer was rejected by the outfielder.
The Reds acquired Choo in a three-team trade last offseason, and he was productive out of the leadoff spot, hitting .285 with 21 home runs, 34 doubles, 54 runs batted in and 20 steals.
The 31-year-old South Korean has hit .288 over nine seasons with Seattle, Cleveland, and Cincinnati, totaling 104 home runs and 427 RBI with a .389 on- base-percentage.
To make room on the 40-man roster, the Rangers designated first baseman Chris McGuiness for assignment. McGuiness spent most of 2013 with Triple-A Round Rock, hitting .246 with 11 homers and 63 RBI in 104 contests. He spent 10 games with the Rangers, collecting one double and one RBI.
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