Former Texas Rangers Alex Rios sign with the Kansas City Royals

The Kansas City Royals and Alex Rios agreed to a one year deal today worth $11 million dollars.  The former Texas Rangers looked pretty good the first half of the season and was looking to be trade bait at the trade deadline.  But, the Rangers held on to the hot bat of Rios only to see him join the injury club and his stock plummet during the second half of the season.

During the first half of the season Rios had one of the top batting averages in the league with a batting line of .305/.333/.440/.773 with 21 doubles, 8 triples, 4 home runs and 42 RBI over 94 games/364 at-bats.  But, shortly before the trade deadline his injuries started.  He sprained his ankle back in July while batting, later was hit by a pitch in leg, re-injured the ankle the finally was shut down for  the season after a badly bruised thumb.

Rios commented about being shut down for the season.

"“I have decided there is no value to go out and play anymore,” Rios said. “My main focus is getting healthy and go into the offseason, start my workouts and play at a high level again next year.” (MLB.com – T.R. Sullivan)"

The Rangers had an option for 2015 for $13.5 million with Alex Rios, but instead of declined it paid the $1 million buyout making him a free-agent.  If Rios had been healthy for the whole season and managed to preform like he did in the first half of the season the Rangers might have kept him.  But, he did lack the big bat which the Rangers missed dearly when Nelson Cruz left for the Orioles.   If Rios is able to get back to 100% he should be a great addition for the Royals.  He’s not a power hitter, but when he’s on his game he is consistent and a decent right fielder.

Video: 05/25/14 Rios’ two-run triple
Alex Rios belts a ball in the gap that rolls to the wall in left-center, driving in a pair to put the Rangers up 7-2