Shin-Soo Choo, Rangers agree on 7-year deal

Choo will earn $130 million over seven years with the Rangers. He will likely serve as a table-setter for Rangers, who also acquired Prince Fielder this offseason.

by Noah Jarosh

Dec 21, 2013, 5:41 PM UTC

Frank Victores-USA TODAY Sports

The Texas Rangers and outfielder Shin-Soo Choo are close to an agreement on a seven-year deal, reports Jon Heyman of CBS Sports. He will earn $130 million over that time.

More on Shin-Soo Choo: Yankees offered OF $140 million

Choo is one of the most desired free agents this offseason after showing a talent for nearly every facet of the game the past few years. He is a constant threat to log around 20 home runs and 20 stolen bases, while playing very good defense and displaying a phenomenal eye at the plate.

Playing with the Cincinnati Reds in 2013, Choo hit .285/.423/.462 with 21 homers and 20 stolen bases. He played center field for the Reds, but profiles best in right field where he can better utilize his strong throwing arm.

The deal with the Rangers is for less money than he reportedly could have received from the New York Yankees. Choo turned down a seven-year deal from New York that was worth $140 million. His agent, Scott Boras, said that Choo was looking for "Jacoby Ellsbury money". Ellsbury received $153 million over seven years from the Yankees earlier this offseason. Choo had entered free agency using Jayson Werth's $126 million contract as a template, but the market seemed to show he could earn more.

The Rangers had been looking to bolster their lineup this offseason in an effort to stay in the division race and keep up with the Athletics. The Mariners are looking to make a run as well in the near future. Texas particularly wanted an upgrade in the outfield. After Nelson Cruz declared for free agency, the team had Leonys Martin, Alex Rios, and Michael Choice (acquired from the A's) penciled in as the starting outfielders.

Choo will join Prince Fielder as the Rangers' two big acquisitions this winter. Texas is likely out of the running for Masahiro Tanaka if the Japanese hurler is posted by the Rakuten Golden Eagles.