Washington Nationals News: Ian Desmond Signs With Texas Rangers
By Ricky Keeler
Ian Desmond finally has a new home as he signs a one-year deal with the Texas Rangers
After waiting the whole offseason to find a new team, former Washington Nationals shortstop Ian Desmond finally has a home for 2016, but at a different position. Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports and MLB Network reported this morning that Desmond signed with the Texas Rangers on a one-year deal worth $8 million:
Source: Desmond deal with #Rangers is one year, $8M.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) February 28, 2016
With Elvis Andrus at shortstop for the defending AL West Champions, Desmond will be moving over to left field. He will be taking over for Josh Hamilton, who will start the season on the disabled list due to an injured left knee.
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Desmond does have experience playing the outfield, but it is limited experience. The 30-year-old played one game in right field in 2009 and one in 2010. However, as Bryce Harper said today down in Viera, Desmond has the athleticism to play the position:
Bryce Harper said Ian Desmond is an athlete and will not have any problems playing the outfield. #Nats #MLB #Nationals
— William Ladson (@ladsonbill24) February 28, 2016
Back in 2004, the Montreal Expos picked Desmond in the third round of the MLB Draft. He would make his debut with the Nationals on September 10, 2009. In his seven years in DC, Desmond had a slash line of .264/.312/.424 with 110 home runs and 432 RBI’s.
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Last season, Desmond had a slash line of .233/.290/.384 with 19 home runs and 62 RBI’s. However, he had 27 errors in the field and his year got off to a rocky start when he hit a mere .211 with seven home runs and 24 RBI’s in the first half.
Due to the Nats offering Desmond a qualifying offer earlier this winter, they receive a compensation pick from the Texas Rangers, who forfeited the 19th pick in the draft by signing Desmond. Even though the Nats lost their first round pick when they signed Daniel Murphy, they will have two compensation picks in this June’s draft (Nats pick 29th because of Jordan Zimmermann signing with the Tigers).
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It will be interesting to watch Desmond play left field on a regular basis with Hamilton out, but his hitting shouldn’t miss a beat in Texas as he tries to prove himself and earn a big contract next season. While the Nationals will use Danny Espinosa or Trea Turner at shortstop going forward, Desmond will be missed as a leader in the clubhouse and as arguably the best shortstop in Nats/Expos history.