The Texas Rangers have expressed “serious interest” in
designated hitter David Ortiz, reports Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports.
The Texas Rangers also have expressed serious interest in Ortiz, major-league sources say, envisioning him as a left-handed hitting replacement for their own free agent, Josh Hamilton.
Ortiz was previously said to be nearing a two-year agreement
that would keep him in Boston through the 2014 season. However, it was reported yesterday that the sides were not close to completing a deal and there was a
growing chance Ortiz could reach free agency.
Boston has until tomorrow to re-sign Ortiz before other
teams, such as the Rangers, will be able to begin negotiations with the
slugger.
Along with Hamilton, the Rangers could also lose middle-of-the-order
bat Mike Napoli this offseason. The team used Michael Young most frequently at
DH last season, but he only hit .277/.312/.370 over 661 at-bats.
Ortiz is reportedly seeking a two-year contract with an
average annual salary close to the $14.575 million he earned in 2012. He hit
.318/.415/.611 over 324 at-bats with the Red Sox.
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