This veteran from Korea is the latest addition to Texas Rangers’ rotation jumble
General manager Chris Young said earlier this week that the Texas Rangers were likely to add a starting pitcher or two to the mix before spring training, and they have.
They went to Korea to find their latest non-roster invitee.
The Rangers signed left-hander Hyeon-Jong Yang to a one-year minor-league contract worth $1.3 million if he makes the Opening Day roster.
Yang, who turns 33 on March 1, has pitched 14 seasons for the Kia Tigers in the Korean Baseball Organization and has posted five 15-win seasons and a 147-95 career record. He has a 3.83 career ERA.
“He’s a proven winner not only for Kia in the KBO, but also his track record competing on big stages in international competitions is impressive,” assistant general manager Josh Boyd said. “He’s a durable strike-thrower with great feel for how to executive for pitches. He’s also a highly respected teammate, and he’s hungry to prove himself and fulfill his goal of continuing his success in the major leagues.”
The Rangers also signed infielder Brock Holt, a former All-Star from Stephenville to a deal that could pay him $1.75 million, and catcher John Hicks to minor-league deals with spring invitations. Three more players received internal non-roster invitations: pitching prospect Hans Crouse, former first-rounder Luis Ortiz and outfielder Adolis Garcia, who cleared waivers after being designated for assignment.
Spring training begins Wednesday for pitchers and catchers, and the first full-squad workout is scheduled for Feb. 22.
The Rangers won the bidding rights to Yang in 2014, but he opted to stay in Korea. He struggled in 2020, posting a 4.70 ERA, but he logged 172 1/3 innings and the Rangers are continuing to seek ways to fill out a rotation that could run into an innings shortfall.
The rotation will be headed by Kyle Gibson, Kohei Arihara and Mike Foltynewicz, who signed a one-year contract Wednesday. Jordan Lyles is also expected to be in the rotation.
The fifth spot is up for grabs, though rookies Dane Dunning and Kyle Cody are thought to be the front-runners. However, both are facing innings restrictions as they seek their first full seasons after Tommy John surgery.
Yang must pitch is way onto the team this spring.
This story was originally published February 12, 2021 at 12:43 PM.
