Texas Rangers: Robinson Chirinos Signs Extension

The Rangers and catcher Robinson Chirinos have agreed on an extension through the 2018 season. He was already signed through the 2017 season, but now has a deal through ’18 and possibly more.

This deal with Robinson Chirinos also includes a club option for the 2019 season. The Texas Rangers still have Jonathan Lucroy as their everyday catcher, but they believe Chirinos gives them two championship caliber catchers behind the plate.

The team already signed Chirinos to a one-year deal for $1.95 million for the 2017 season. This deal just extends his contract through possibly 2019. The Rangers have not ruled out a Lucroy extension.

In fact Texas does have interest in keeping Lucroy around long-term, but believes Chirinos is still an asset to the organization. According to T.R. Sullivan, the Rangers have high regard for Chirinos as a leader and a player.

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Last season Chirinos hit .224 with nine home runs and 20 RBI in 57 games with Texas. He’s played in parts of five Major League seasons, but has shown he’s not much more than a solid backup catcher.

Throughout his Major League career, Chirinos is batting .230 with 33 home runs and 101 RBI and will be entering his fifth season with the Rangers in 2017. Not great stats, but he’s a decent guy to have as a backup catcher.

The hope is that the Rangers can reach a long-term extension with Lucroy over the course of the 2017 season. That way they can keep Chirinos as the backup catcher, and not force him into a starting role after this season.

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According to Jeff Wilson, Chirinos will earn $2.25 million next year and the option is valued at $2.375 million.