Texas Rangers: Jeffrey Springs Traded to Red Sox for Sam Travis

Shortly after announcing LHP Jeffrey Springs had been DFA’d, the Texas Rangers announced that they have traded Springs to the Red Sox for 1B Sam Travis.

Wednesday afternoon it was announced that Jeffrey Springs had be designated for assignment as one of the moves to open up 40-man roster spots for new signings, Robinson Chirinos and Todd Frazier. Not long after though, the Texas Rangers announced that the lefty Springs had been traded to the Boston Red Sox in exchange for 1B/OF Sam Travis.

Springs had a bit of a strange offseason regarding roster moves having been already been DFA’d prior to this instance. By trading him to the Red Sox, the Rangers avoid losing him for nothing on waivers and maintains the open spot on the 40-man roster needed to officially make yesterday’s signings.

Travis was recently DFA’d by the Red Sox but had already passed through waivers meaning he will not be on the Texas Rangers 40-man roster. Travis was drafted by Boston in the 2nd round of the 2014 MLB Draft. The 26-year old has spent most of his career in the minors but has racked up 111 Major League games since 2017. His career big league average .230 with a .659 OPS and seven homers. In Triple-A last season, Travis appeared in 68 games and posted a .275 batting average and a more impressive .794 OPS.

As of now, Travis looks set to start the season in Triple-A with the Nashville Sounds. However, he does add some extra insurance at first base, a position where the Rangers have been looking at potential upgrades this offseason. As of now, Ronald Guzman is the first baseman for Texas come 2019 but they have been rumored most of the offseason as a suitor for free agent Nick Castellanos. Texas is reportedly looking at the outfielder as a potential long-term option at first base where he would become the starter if signed. However, adding Travis gives the Rangers a right-handed platoon option if other avenues don’t work out.