Rangers nearing arbitration hearing with Mitch Moreland

First baseman Mitch Moreland will likely take the Texas Rangers to their first salary arbitration hearing since 2000 barring an 11th-hour deal.

The sides would meet Wednesday in Phoenix before a three-person arbitration panel if they fail to find common ground on a contract for Moreland’s final year as an arbitration-eligible player.

Moreland, 30, is seeking $6 million after the best season of his career in 2015, and the Rangers initially offered $4,675,000 when the sides exchanged figures last month.

Moreland, who is represented by agent Bob Garber, made $2.95 million last season as he tied his career high with 23 homers and posted career-bests in average (.278), doubles (27), RBIs (85), total bases (227) and slugging percentage (.485).

But the Rangers still chose to platoon the left-handed hitter against lefty pitchers and in December signed the righty-hitting Justin Ruggiano to play left field and learn to play first base so they can continue to platoon Moreland.

The Rangers haven’t been to a hearing in 16 years. They were able to agree with another first baseman, Lee Stevens, and prevailed at the hearing.

A hearing would be the first under general manager Jon Daniels.

This story was originally published February 8, 2016 at 5:54 PM with the headline "Rangers nearing arbitration hearing with Mitch Moreland."