Rangers add veteran outfielder Calhoun

December 1st, 2021

ARLINGTON -- The Texas Rangers added to an already deep outfield rotation on Tuesday, agreeing to terms with outfielder on a one-year deal for 2022 with a club option for the 2023 season.

The deal is for $5.2 million, with the 2023 option coming in at $5.5 million with no buyout.

"Kole plays with an energy that our fans and players will feed off of," said Rangers president of baseball operations Jon Daniels in a press release. "He’s been a highly productive player on both sides of the ball. Equally importantly, his style of play and reputation as a great teammate will help set the standard as we continue to grow our culture."

After spending eight years with the Angels, Calhoun has spent the last two in Arizona. The lefty hit .230/.320/.455 with a 107 OPS+ across 105 games between 2020-21 with the D-backs as he endured multiple IL stints across both seasons.

Calhoun, a 10-year MLB veteran, provides more depth in the outfield for the Rangers, with little certainty outside of 2021 All-Star Adolis García at any of the three positions. The lefty will join an outfield competition that includes former top prospect Leody Taveras, Willie Calhoun and a pair of former Dodgers in DJ Peters and Zach Reks.

Calhoun particularly adds to Texas’ already stellar defensive outfield, alongside García and whoever the third outfielder may be. He won a Gold Glove Award in right field in 2015 with the Angels and was a finalist in four other years (2017-20).

Most importantly, Calhoun brings experience to a Rangers outfield that lacks it. Though García was by far the Rangers’ best outfielder after the Joey Gallo trade, he ran into growing pains midseason to finish the season with a .243/.286/.454 slash line (.741 OPS).

"We believe Kole will bring an outstanding veteran presence and example for our young players," said Rangers general manager Chris Young. "He has worked hard for everything he's achieved in his career and his daily effort is a model for everyone surrounding our club."

Even so, the Rangers still need outfield help and are expected to remain active on the free-agent market for players like Chris Taylor, Nick Castellanos or Japanese outfielder Seiya Suzuki.