Texas Rangers: Who’s on the books for the 2022 season?

Texas Rangers: Players No Longer on the 40-Man Roster or No Longer in the Organization

The Texas Rangers have payroll obligations to three players in 2022 that are either not on the 40-man roster, or who have been traded and the Rangers retained part of their salary.

Kohei Arihara

2022 Salary: $3.6M

In December 2020, Kohei Arihara signed a two-year contract to play with Texas.  He made the Opening Day roster and started seven games for the Rangers before a right middle finger contusion placed him on the injured list.  Arihara required a rehab assignment to AA then AAA before being reactivated to the MLB roster in September.  Arihara made three ineffective starts in September before the Rangers designated him for assignment.  Arihara has one year remaining on his current contract before he can be a free agent in 2023.

Rougned Odor

2022 Salary: $12,333,333 (Paid by Texas)

In April, the Texas Rangers traded Rougned Odor and cash to the New York Yankees.  In return, the Rangers picked up two prospects.  In addition to the 2022 money, the Rangers also have to pay the Yankees $3M of his salary in 2023.

Elvis Andrus

2022 Salary: $6,750,000 (Paid by Texas)

In February, the Rangers traded Elvis Andrus and cash to the Oakland A’s.  In return, the Rangers acquired current roster player Jonah Heim (C).  There are no financial obligations after 2022.

Final Thoughts

The Rangers have enough payroll room to make a big splash in free agency.  The roster that the Rangers finished with will most likely be completely overhauled to start 2022.  It will be interesting to follow the transactions of the Rangers as this promises to be a busy and exciting winter.