DALLAS -- The Texas Rangers avoided salary arbitration with Mitch Moreland on Friday by signing the first baseman/DH to a one-year contract worth $2.95 million with the potential to earn $25,000 more in performance bonuses.
Moreland played in just 52 games last season, hitting .246/.297/.347 before needing ankle surgery. Moreland said he should begin spring training on time.
The Rangers had three players who were eligible for salary arbitration this offseason. Closer Neftali Feliz (one-year $4.125 million) and right-handed starter Ross Detwiler (one-year $3.450 million) agreed to deals last week.
Also, the club signed left-handed pitcher Ross Ohlendorf to a minor-league contract with an invitation to spring training. Ohlendorf, 32, was a member of the Washington Nationals the last two seasons but missed last year with a back injury. He made five rehab starts with the Nationals.
Right-handed reliever Gonzalez German, who was acquired via trade earlier this week, was sent to the Chicago Cubs on a waiver claim.
In addition to the signings, the Rangers invited six minor-leaguers, righties Alec Asher, Alex Gonzalez and Keone Kela, along with catcher Pat Cantwell, third baseman Joey Gallo and outfielder Jared Hoying, to major league spring training.
Of course the big name here is Gallo, the power hitter who is considered the top prospect in the Rangers' farm system. Gonzalez will get a chance to compete for a job in the starting rotation.
