Reports: Rangers finalize deal with Choo
Shin-Soo Choo passed a physical exam, and the Texas Rangers will introduce the newly signed outfielder at a Friday press conference, multiple media outlets reported.
The team invited the media for a Friday event but did not specify the reason.
One of the top outfielders available on the free agent market this winter, Choo agreed to a seven-year, $130 million deal with the Rangers last week. The only larger contract in franchise history was the 10-year, $252 million deal that then-shortstop Alex Rodriguez signed in December 2000.
Choo, 31, was the Cincinnati Reds' leadoff hitter last season, and he batted .285 with 21 home runs, 54 RBIs, 20 stolen bases and 107 runs. He also had a .423 on-base percentage, fourth best in the majors.
A .288 career batter who hit at least 20 homers in three of the past five seasons, Choo has a career .389 on-base percentage in nine seasons with the Seattle Mariners, Cleveland Indians and Reds.
Signing Choo will cost Texas its first-round draft pick, but the Rangers needed to fill a void atop the batting order. They dealt All-Star second baseman/leadoff man Ian Kinsler to the Detroit Tigers for power-hitting first baseman Prince Fielder last month.
Texas would wind get a first-round pick should free agent outfielder Nelson Cruz signs with another team. Choo's arrival likely ends the possibility of Cruz re-signing with the Rangers.
