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Rangers Interested In Re-Signing Jeff Baker

By Steve Adams | January 8, 2014 at 12:02pm CDT

The Rangers have interest in re-signing Jeff Baker as a bench bat, reports Gerry Fraley of the Dallas Morning News.

The 32-year-old Baker thrived in his first season with the Rangers in 2013, batting .279/.360/.545 primarily in a platoon role. A thumb injury in June sidelined Baker for more than a month, and his OPS upon returning was nearly 400 points lower than it was prior to the injury, suggesting that he may never have fully recovered.

Baker doesn't hit right-handed pitching much, but the righty swinger absolutely mashes against left-handed pitching. He hit southpaws at a huge .314/.407/.667 clip with 10 of his 11 homers in 2013, and his career line against lefties is a strong .298/.353/.522. He has big league experience at second base, third base, first base and the outfield corners, and while he's not considered an elite defender at any of the positions, his versatility and big numbers against lefties make him a valuable bench piece. Baker has also been connected to the Yankees and the Giants so far this offseason.

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Texas Rangers Jeff Baker

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22 Comments

  1. sourbob

    12 years ago

    I realize they’re not really going to platoon their big get Choo, but pairing him with Baker would be deadly.

    Reply
    • baseball lifer

      12 years ago

      Mitch Moreland at DH…

      Reply
  2. AndyWarpath

    12 years ago

    still hoping the Giants have interest here.

    Reply
  3. connfyoozed .

    12 years ago

    If you need a right-handed bench or platoon bat, and have a hitter’s park, you aren’t going to do much better than Jeff Baker. This is especially true if he doesn’t have to take the field much: he is versatile, but like the article says, he shouldn’t be known for his defense. Seriously, I love guys like this: role players who embrace their role.

    Reply
  4. Jeffy25

    12 years ago

    Come to the cards please

    Reply
  5. RaysfaninMN

    12 years ago

    Seems like a good fit for the Rays to be the other half for Joyce

    Reply
  6. Taylor 2

    12 years ago

    Please platoon him with Moreland. I saw a rumor that Cruz may take a 1yr contract to reestablish value. rangers would be better off handing baker a contract like 2yr/4mill and saving 10Mill on Cruz. a Moreland/Baker DH platoon will be plenty productive.

    Reply
  7. Frittoman626 2

    12 years ago

    I hope the Yankees can sign either Baker or Reynolds. They are too lefty heavy, and adding either player to come of the bench would help out.

    Reply
    • Zoe 3

      12 years ago

      Yankees got enough utility players, need some bullpen help

      Reply
  8. BrettLawriesnewesttattoo

    12 years ago

    Seems like a really good fit for the Blue Jays: a cheap platoon partner for Lind as well as infield depth.

    Reply
  9. SportsLover

    12 years ago

    Want him for the Yankees really bad. Sign him now!!

    Reply
  10. GrilledCheese39

    12 years ago

    I wanted the pirates to get him badly, he would be perfect in RF until Polanco is ready and he is pushed to the bench

    Reply
  11. Zoe 3

    12 years ago

    This guy should be on every teams radar

    Reply
  12. Rangerbourne

    12 years ago

    He was my favorite “suprise” player of last year. This deal should have been done months ago.

    Reply
  13. RyanF5

    12 years ago

    He’s perfect for the Rangers. He could occasionally DH when there is a LHP, come off the bench late in games to hit for Choo, and if Profar continues to struggle hitting lefties he could even play 2B some days. Sign him now.

    Reply
    • baseball lifer

      12 years ago

      Choo did not sign here in Texas to play the first 6 innings of the game. The Rangers gave him 140 million to play the entire game all year long. In no way will Baker or anyone else for that matter be pinch hitting for Choo. If Baker is resigned, you can count on him stealing AB’s for Moreland and/or whoever is catching (Soto or JPA).

      Reply
    • TheAdrianBeltre

      12 years ago

      Choo has hit .300 against lefty relievers.

      Reply
  14. Kendall Cooper

    12 years ago

    Many people have made good points about Baker platooning with Moreland etc.; however, I don’t believe anyone has mentioned an equally important factor. He can give Beltre days off at 3rd base. Beltre seems to always be dealing with nagging hamstring injuries and having a guy that can hold his own on defense at 3rd (not terrible, but not good) and put up very good offensive numbers is invaluable. Rangers, please sign him!

    Reply
  15. Matt 59

    12 years ago

    why haven’t the blue jays tried signing this guy? he would be perfect for te final bench spot

    Reply
  16. elkaba

    12 years ago

    Baker? Yes!

    Reply
  17. Patrick Mc.

    12 years ago

    Why haven’t we heard much about Baker?

    Reply
  18. TeamCropDusters

    11 years ago

    I am definitely behind a MorelandBaker DH platoon… plus Moreland can play RF1B and Baker can play LF3B2B1B… it makes a ton of sense to bring Baker back.

    Depth and versatility are HUGE as the season progresses, and the injuries pile up.

    Reply

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