Top 10 Free Agent Signings in Texas Rangers History

#8- John Wetteland (from New York Yankees, 1997-2000)

John Wetteland pitched his first game in the majors at the age of 22.  He started his career with the Los Angeles Dodgers and pitched parts of three seasons in LA.  After the 1991 season, Wetteland was traded to Cincinnati who subsequently traded him to Montreal.  Wetteland pitched three seasons for the Expos before he was traded to the New York Yankees.  After two seasons and one all-star appearance in New York, Wetteland was granted free agency.

On December 17, 1996, John Wetteland signed a free agency contract with Texas.  According to baseball-reference.com, Wetteland earned a salary of $4.575M in his first season in Texas.  During his four seasons and two all-star appearances in Texas, Wetteland earned just over $23M.  In 248 relief appearances for the Rangers, Wetteland pitched 253.0 innings, had a record of 20-12, a 2.95 ERA, and was a perfect 150/150 in save opportunities.

For his 12 year MLB career, Wetteland had a record of 48-45, pitched 765.0 innings, had a 2.93 ERA, and earned 330 saves.  Besides being a three-time all-star, Wetteland was a World Series champion and World Series MVP, AL Saves leader, and AL Rolaids Relief Man of the Year in 1996.  In 2005, Wetteland was enshrined into the Texas Rangers Hall of Fame.