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Elvis Andrus Opts to Stay with the Texas Rangers

By Travis Koch

DETROIT, MI - JUNE 27: Shortstop Elvis Andrus #1 of the Texas Rangers throws out Bobby Wilson of the Detroit Tigers at first base on a grounder during the seventh inning at Comerica Park on June 27, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - JUNE 27: Shortstop Elvis Andrus #1 of the Texas Rangers throws out Bobby Wilson of the Detroit Tigers at first base on a grounder during the seventh inning at Comerica Park on June 27, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images) /
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Texas Rangers’ shortstop Elvis Andrus officially declined his post-2019 player option. Next season will be his 12th consecutive repping the lone star squad.

The Texas Rangers will keep their longest tenured player. Elvis Andrus, who just completed his 11th big league season, informed the team yesterday that he will return for the 2020 season. He officially declined the post-2019 opt out clause in his contract.

This was surely outstanding news for the Rangers, as Andrus has long been a leader and fan favorite, as well as a fixation at shortstop and atop the Texas Rangers lineup. The 31-year-old signed an 8-year, $120 million contract extension with Texas in 2013. He has three years and $43 million remaining on the deal.

If there’s an example of mutual faith, this is it. Andrus has never stated an intention to leave the organization. He has represented it extremely well. He also declined an opt out in 2018, a year in which the Rangers finished with a horrid 67-95 record.

Texas Rangers
BALTIMORE, MD – JULY 13: Elvis Andrus #1 of the Texas Rangers slides into home plate and scores in the seventh inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on July 13, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images) /

From an organization perspective, the Rangers have made little to no effort to find their next shortstop. They’ve very clearly operated with the expectation that their All-Star shortstop will be in Arlington until at least 2023.

Andrus did not have his best season in 2019. He hit .275 with 12 home runs, 27 doubles, and a .313 OBP over 147 games. In comparison, his last full season (2017) concluded with a .297 batting average, 20 homers, 44 doubles, and a .337 OBP.

The Texas Rangers need the 2017 version of Andrus, as 2020 could be the year they return to the playoff conversation. With many young hitters expected to hold a spot in the everyday lineup, the Rangers could use a great season from their rock at the top.

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Regardless, they’re happy to have Elvis Andrus back. He possesses the tangibles and intangibles that contribute to team success on and off the field. There is plenty up in the air as the club enters the offseason. One thing we know for sure, however, is we’ll see the #1 jersey sprinting out to shortstop on opening day of 2020.

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