Texas Rangers sign power bat, eyeing offensive spark for AL West chase

The Texas Rangers are well aware that offense has been a big part of its problem since the very beginning of the season. Is it possible that Chris Young has found a reinforcement from an unusual source? The team's President of Baseball Operations hopes that Rowdy Tellez can prove to be of use as the Rangers look to re-enter the AL West race.

Tellez, who has provided a power bat for most of his eight years in the Major Leagues, started the season with the Seattle Mariners. However, the M's are looking for more offensive help of their own and in order to try some fresh blood, DFA'd the first baseman and DH on June 20. On June 26, he was given his unconditional release.

On July 4, the Texas Rangers decided to give the slugger a chance. Young signed him to a minor-league prove it deal. Now the question is, if he proves he belongs back in the Bigs, who would the Rangers part with to make room on the active roster for him?

Texas Rangers hope Rowdy Tellez minor-league deal boosts sputtering offense

Tellez clubbed 11 home runs over 62 games with Seattle earlier this season, but he batted just .208 and posted a 26.5 percent strikeout rate. Still, the 96 OPS+ he posted in the first half of the season was the best since his career year in 2022 when he blasted a whopping 35 home runs.

It's likely that show of power is why the Rangers are willing to give the first baseman a chance, despite it being several seasons since he came close to that number.

The minor league deal also makes a degree of sense since the Texas Rangers full-time first baseman, Jake Burger has dealt with injuries of late. It stands to reason that the best chance Tellez has to get promoted would be if Burger goes down again.