The Texas Rangers have reportedly secured their new catcher, Danny Jansen, in a two-year, $14.5 million deal. This move addresses the team's need for a catcher, with Jansen joining Kyle Higashioka in sharing the catching duties. Jansen, a 30-year-old free agent, posted a .215/.321/.399 slash line last season, split between the Tampa Bay Rays and the Milwaukee Brewers. His career numbers include a .220/.310/.415 slash line and a 100 wRC+. While Jansen is not known for his framing skills, he is considered fine defensively.
This signing comes as no surprise, given the Rangers' focus on improving their catching situation. Just yesterday, Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon revealed in an article at The Athletic that the Rangers were in contact with the agents of both Victor Caratini and Danny Jansen. The article also mentioned the team's interest in trading for a young catcher, indicating a long-term strategy. With the goal of having a catcher ready for the majors by 2027, the Rangers are likely to remain active in the market for catching talent.
The addition of Jansen is a significant step in the team's rebuilding process, and fans are eager to see how he contributes to the Rangers' success in the upcoming seasons. As the team continues to build its roster, the catching position is now firmly in the hands of experienced players, providing a solid foundation for the future.
