The Texas Rangers have made significant moves by signing seven free agents to minor league contracts, with two familiar faces returning to the team. Pitcher Jesus Tinoco and outfielder Elier Hernandez, both with previous Rangers experience, headline the signings. These players, along with five others, have received invitations to the Major League Spring Training camp, commencing on Feb. 14 in Surprise, Arizona, with pitchers and catchers reporting.
Tinoco, who boasted a 2.18 ERA in 17 games for the Rangers in 2022 and saved 13 games for Triple-A Round Rock, spent the last season with the Saitama Seibu Lions in Japan. He is currently playing with Navegantes de Magallanes in the Venezuelan Winter League.
Hernandez, who made his Rangers debut in 2022, was named the Most Valuable Player of Round Rock last year, hitting .298 with 18 home runs and 99 RBI. He is currently playing with Leones del Escogido in the Dominican Winter League.
Outfielder Sandro Fabian, with no MLB experience but impressive minor league stats, has joined the Rangers. Andrew Knapp, a catcher with 325 MLB games under his belt, provides depth at the position. Knapp batted .233 with nine homers and 29 RBI in the minors last season.
Pitcher Diego Castillo, with a 6.23 ERA in 8 2/3 innings with the Seattle Mariners last season, adds pitching depth. He has six MLB seasons under his belt, with a 24-18 record, 35 saves, and a 3.22 ERA.
The Rangers also signed outfielder Derek Hill, who played 13 games for the Washington Nationals last season, and pitcher Gerardo Carrillo, who has yet to make his MLB debut. Hill had an impressive Triple-A season in 2023, slashing .317 with 11 home runs. Carrillo is currently pitching in the Mexican Winter League, holding a career 19-20 record in the minors.
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