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Rangers Sign Hunter Pence To Minor League Deal

By Steve Adams | February 7, 2019 at 3:04pm CDT

3:04pm: MLB Network’s Jon Heyman tweets that Pence’s deal has a $2MM base salary and another $1.25MM worth of incentives available to him

2:44pm: The Rangers announced Thursday that they’ve signed outfielder Hunter Pence to a minor league contract and invited him to Major League Spring Training. It’s a homecoming of sorts for Pence, a native of Fort Worth who attended high school in Arlington. The team also confirmed its previously reported signing of corner infielder/pitcher Matt Davidson.

Pence, 36 in April, was long one of the game’s more productive right fielders but has seen his production at the plate wane over the past two seasons. Dating back to the 2017 season, he’s mustered just a .249/.297/.368 slash with 17 homers, 24 doubles and six triples in 792 plate appearances with the Giants. He’ll look to rediscover some semblance of his peak form — .282/.341/.463 from 2011-16 — in his new deal with Texas. The veteran has been open about the work he’s been doing to make alterations to his swing in an effort to bounce back at the plate.

The Rangers currently have Joey Gallo, Delino DeShields Jr. and Nomar Mazara lined up around the outfield, with Shin-Soo Choo slotted in at designated hitter and prospect Willie Calhoun looming as an option in left field and at DH. Pence, though, could plausibly compete for a bench job given the uncertainty beyond the Rangers’ starting lineup. At the moment, one of Jeff Mathis or Isiah Kiner-Falefa (whichever isn’t catching that day) is the only real lock for a bench spot with the Rangers. Calhoun, infielder Patrick Wisdom and center fielder Carlos Tocci all figure to compete for a reserve gig as well, though all have minor league options remaining.

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View Comments (106)
Post a Comment

106 Comments

  1. Francys01

    6 years ago

    Yes, I like Hunter Pence.

    4
    Reply
    • terror661

      6 years ago

      Only a crazy person could hate Hunter Pence. He’s an amazing human.

      4
      Reply
      • Gasu1

        6 years ago

        Can he fly?

        1
        Reply
    • Black&Orange&Silver

      6 years ago

      Amazing news for Giants fans too. We love the guy and super happy he got a job…probably just as happy it won’t be with the Giants. Good luck to him in finding his swing again, awesome guy.

      3
      Reply
      • c1234

        6 years ago

        I mean if there was any team Hunter Pence could realistically get a starting gig it would be the Giants.

        7
        Reply
      • Jimmy Johnson’s Ghost

        6 years ago

        Why are you happy he won’t be with the Giants? Have you seen the roster? SF OF situation is abysmal! They should’ve signed him to a minor league deal like the Rangers. Low risk, maybe dude can turn back the clock.

        4
        Reply
        • SFGiants74

          6 years ago

          Abysmal. It’s to soon to say that. If Williamson could hit like he did before his concussion, I wouldn’t call that abysmal. Duggan’s defense in CF was stellar. He needs to cut down on his strikeouts, or show more power. Slater is serviceable.

          1
          Reply
        • c1234

          6 years ago

          I have no clue who Williamson and Duggan are. That says a lot about the Giants outfield situation.

          4
          Reply
        • SFGiants74

          6 years ago

          It says you know nothing about the Giants. If you paid any attention to the Giants, you would know who they are.

          1
          Reply
        • crazywarrior

          6 years ago

          cause if you dont know who they ar….. to quote Durant, “who are you?”

          Reply
        • EndinStealth

          6 years ago

          Not knowing who two players are doesnt discredit them as players it discredits your baseball knowledge.

          1
          Reply
        • Frisco500

          6 years ago

          C1234, that says more about your knowledge of baseball (or lack thereof) than anything about the Giants.

          1
          Reply
        • FullMontilla

          6 years ago

          @C1234 LOL
          Yeah, it’s looking bad right now. The guy’s name is Duggar to be correct, but I have no doubt that you still haven’t heard of him. I am holding onto a belief and desperate hope that the front office has a better plan for the outfield than what we’ve seen so far. Today has to be the day that the G’s announce that they’ve come to terms with Harper – sign him up!

          1
          Reply
        • c1234

          6 years ago

          And I hope they do sign Harper so the Giants somewhat become relevant again.

          Reply
    • WarrenSpahn

      6 years ago

      Under Pants

      1
      Reply
  2. The Oregonian

    6 years ago

    Best of luck to you Hunter!

    9
    Reply
    • pustule bosey

      6 years ago

      how does someone downvote this, does someone actually want hunter to have bad luck?

      Reply
      • EndinStealth

        6 years ago

        How does someone care about up or downvotes. They are possibly the most meaningless thing out there.

        Good luck Hunter.

        1
        Reply
  3. acarneglia

    6 years ago

    Long live Marv from Home Alone

    1
    Reply
    • stern.daniel

      6 years ago

      You should try having the same name as the actor who plays Marv.

      1
      Reply
      • acarneglia

        6 years ago

        Lol

        Reply
  4. CursedRangers

    6 years ago

    I think Jon Daniels needs to update his scouting & players books. Seems like they are several years old.

    2
    Reply
    • scottn59c

      6 years ago

      Eh, it’s a minor league deal. Pence is a crazy workaholic and has been working to revamp his swing. Maybe there’s something left in the tank? Even if he’s a bust, he’s a terrific veteran presence.

      7
      Reply
      • geejohnny

        6 years ago

        One of the ugliest swings in baseball. Toddfather close behind. Will he revamp his ugly throwing too?

        2
        Reply
        • pustule bosey

          6 years ago

          he has a back condition where some of his vertebrae are fused. you can’t just change that

          5
          Reply
        • geejohnny

          6 years ago

          Didn’t know that. Amazing accuracy then.

          1
          Reply
        • ABStract

          6 years ago

          I thought it was a problem with his arms…

          Still the only player to hit a ball three times with one swing (in the playoffs for an rbi if I remember correctly)!

          1
          Reply
        • ABStract

          6 years ago

          Congrats HP!

          Reply
        • GareBear

          6 years ago

          Which he should have been ruled out for. Still salty about that

          Reply
  5. padresfan619 2

    6 years ago

    Ouch! only a minor league contract

    Reply
    • scottn59c

      6 years ago

      Truth be told, he’s probably done. But he was such a positive presence in SF, long after his skills began to decline. Glad to see him try to keep surfing the wave. Hope he’ll remain in the game long after his playing days are over.

      8
      Reply
      • padresfan619 2

        6 years ago

        yeah at least he will have an opportunity to to be on the major league roster, but if not at least some of the younger guys in the farm system will have a veteran presence in the club house

        2
        Reply
  6. bravesfan

    6 years ago

    Kind of guy everyone roots for

    7
    Reply
  7. AngelDiceClay

    6 years ago

    Good player

    Reply
  8. Houston Pierce

    6 years ago

    Coming home to Arlington. Happy to see it.

    Reply
  9. TheFuzzofKing

    6 years ago

    Hunter Pence loads the dishwasher wrong.

    4
    Reply
    • snotrocket

      6 years ago

      Hunter Pence eats pizza with a fork.

      1
      Reply
      • ellisburks

        6 years ago

        Hunter Pence puts ketchup on poutine.

        4
        Reply
        • johnrealtime

          6 years ago

          5 points if you can spot the Canadian among the three comments here

          2
          Reply
        • ABStract

          6 years ago

          Ha!

          Funny cuz it’s true

          Reply
        • Brizzo123

          6 years ago

          Hey man apparently putting ketchup on everything gets you an endorsement deal nowadays…looking at you Patrick Mahomes.

          Reply
    • Allinws

      6 years ago

      Hunter Pence wears socks with sandals

      2
      Reply
      • macstruts

        6 years ago

        Does he? It’s typically an autistic (Asperger) thing, I did that as well,

        The next time you see someone wearing socks with saddles, that could be the reason. Bottom line, you might be making fun of someone with a disability.

        Reply
        • mlb1225

          6 years ago

          I’m going to assume you’ve never seen the funny Hunter Pence signs.
          google.com/search?rlz=1C1BLWB_enUS575US575&bi…..35861…0.0..0.84.334.5……1….1..gws-wiz-img…….0i30.riGglRKfZYo

          One of the signs just happens to say “Hunter Pence wears socks with sandals”

          1
          Reply
        • ellisburks

          6 years ago

          Or the next time you see someone wearing socks with sandals they could be European. There could be a million reasons but to pick one obscure reason to make people feel bad when they are obviously just having is a bit offside.

          1
          Reply
      • Jean Matrac

        6 years ago

        Hunter Pence lathers, shampoos, and rinses, but does not repeat.

        2
        Reply
    • mlb1225

      6 years ago

      Hunter Pence puts the milk in before the cereal.

      2
      Reply
    • loach

      6 years ago

      Hunter Pence knows all the words to “Louie Louie”

      Reply
  10. Juggy

    6 years ago

    I wish Hunter well he deserves another shot. He is that good

    1
    Reply
  11. ReverieDays

    6 years ago

    Tocci will be in Double A and probably never make it back to the bigs.

    Reply
  12. JayRyder

    6 years ago

    Good LUCK !

    Reply
  13. simschifan

    6 years ago

    Lookin forward to seeing him on mlb network this season

    2
    Reply
  14. Woods Rider

    6 years ago

    Always liked Hunter Pence. Shame he didn’t stick around in Philly too long. I wish him the best of luck in TX and hope he lands on the roster.

    Reply
  15. Fire Jon Daniels

    6 years ago

    I hope he’s giving it one last shot and then transitions into a coach/front office guy. Great work ethic.

    Reply
  16. Ryan W

    6 years ago

    Good on Texas

    Reply
  17. macstruts

    6 years ago

    It’s hard to not like Hunter Pence. Always one of my favorite players.

    Reply
    • bobtillman

      6 years ago

      Ditto. He’ll be a great May/June callup, just for entertainment/ “good feeling” purposes; I don’t imagine the Rangers will be competitive this year. Who knows? With a reworked swing and his work ethic, he might even build up some July 31 value.

      Reply
  18. jekporkins

    6 years ago

    Glad to see he got picked up for one final hurrah, and glad it’s in the AL and not with the Giants. When he’s done I could see him going into broadcasting. He’s got a unique flair and look that sets him apart from the average guys on TV.

    1
    Reply
    • pustule bosey

      6 years ago

      would love to see him as a broadcaster in sf, kruk should probably retire and dave has been doing more and more national broadcasts

      1
      Reply
      • scottn59c

        6 years ago

        I’ve always thought Pence would possibly make a good successor to Krukow too. But I love Krukow’s uniqueness and hope he’ll hang around as long as he wants to.

        1
        Reply
        • WarrenSpahn

          6 years ago

          Krukow, the ultimate homer…like fingernails on a blackboard

          1
          Reply
        • pustule bosey

          6 years ago

          i would love for krukow to be around longer too but he had that degenerative desease in his legs and it has been tougher and tougher for him to get around

          Reply
      • 5TUNT1N

        6 years ago

        Dave’s a legit announcer! I’ve wondered when he would leave us Giants faithful, paired with Jon Miller they are very entertaining. Not soon we extended him 4 years within this last 30 days. Long live flem!

        Reply
        • scottn59c

          6 years ago

          He’s all right… He’s bright, but kind of a square and not much personality or charm. Pence would bring that goofy and upbeat charm that Krukow does.

          Reply
        • pustule bosey

          6 years ago

          yeah but dave was really “on assignment” a lot over the last couple of years broadcasting for ncaa and espn.

          Reply
  19. troll

    6 years ago

    wisdom is going to be a starter

    Reply
  20. James1955

    6 years ago

    Pence helped the Giants win their 2nd and 3rd World Championships. Nothing left in the tank.

    Reply
    • terror661

      6 years ago

      7th & 8th. But it’s fine.

      1
      Reply
      • jorge78

        6 years ago

        You know James meant world series victories of this decade…..
        But it’s fine…..

        Reply
      • pustule bosey

        6 years ago

        technically, franchise wise yes but it was the second and third sfgiants ws victories.

        1
        Reply
  21. citizen

    6 years ago

    the rangers beat the giants to supplying hunter pence social security checks.

    Reply
  22. astrosfan

    6 years ago

    Welcome Home Hunter. Glad to have you back. The Rangers really need this pick up. I’ve kept up with him since his collage days. Hope everything works out great for him and he can get to play a lot this season. Great pick up by the Rangers

    1
    Reply
  23. throwinched10

    6 years ago

    Jon Daniels is playing MLB The Show 2012.

    Reply
  24. astrosfan

    6 years ago

    Hopefully he can get his old Astros number back #9

    Reply
  25. astrosfan

    6 years ago

    Hope the Rangers has his old Astros number avabile #9.

    Reply
    • batty

      6 years ago

      Kiner-Falefa has the number (.

      Reply
  26. snotrocket

    6 years ago

    Thanks for the rings and giving it every once of hustle every time. That dude is a ballplayer. That being said, I’m beyond happy the Giants won’t be the one giving him the contract, as Bochy would have him on the 25 man by the 2nd week in April.

    2
    Reply
  27. Ironman_4life

    6 years ago

    This guys wife whos name noone can spell, travels the world playing video game tournaments. That sounds funner than minor league base Ball.

    Reply
    • batty

      6 years ago

      A-l-e-x-i-s

      2
      Reply
    • troll

      6 years ago

      Can’t even spell, no one.

      Reply
  28. nuschler22

    6 years ago

    Nice to see how he positivity around a player who has brought joy to so many!

    Reply
  29. SoCalBrave

    6 years ago

    Bad news for Harper…

    1
    Reply
  30. Redwolves3

    6 years ago

    Happy for Pence getting the opportunity to continue his career.

    Reply
  31. mpmks

    6 years ago

    Fun and productive player in seasons past. I believe that seeing him as a bench contributor is shortsighted. With reduced rosters bench pieces best be able to play multiple positions

    Reply
  32. The Ranger Fan

    6 years ago

    I guess this means no Bryce Harper for my Rangers now, oh we’ll considering we’re still paying Alex Rodriguez due money from 20 years ago Good luck to the team stuck with a 10 year contract in the future, Everthing is leading up to 2020 and the new Stadium, Texas has signed 15 players so far this year and all are one year deals with the exception of the 3 year contract to Lance Lynn.

    Reply
  33. crazywarrior

    6 years ago

    LOVE YOU HUNTER. You will always be a Giant. You know this

    …Hunter was here

    Reply
  34. sufferforsnakes

    6 years ago

    Glad Cleveland didn’t waste money on him.

    Reply
  35. its_happening

    6 years ago

    Like watching Pence play. Hope he can make the Rangers team, maybe face lefties to spell Gallo or Choo.

    1
    Reply
  36. Deke

    6 years ago

    Really great to see so many people wishing Pence well. It goes to show what a classy guy he is and how many people appreciate that about him.

    Good on ya Pency! I hope you kick butt in TX!!! #forevergiant

    3
    Reply
  37. 5TUNT1N

    6 years ago

    Gotta love Crazy Eyes!! Great dude and had a great career as a giant!

    Reply
  38. cpdpoet

    6 years ago

    LIked him in Houston and was super stoked when he came to the Phillies. He coined the phrase “let’s go eat” during his tenure. Philly shipped him out when the fat lady began to sing, was upset, but knew he was going to a winner. Kudos good-sir!

    Reply
  39. DougieJones

    6 years ago

    Wish Pence the best. Hopefully he found something in that new swing of his and makes the team. He could be a good 4th/5th outfielder and great dugout presence.

    1
    Reply
  40. xxbooradley

    6 years ago

    Wow, Texas is so bad they signed an actor from Fuller House.

    1
    Reply
  41. Jean Matrac

    6 years ago

    My favorite Hunter Pence story was, I think, when he was in his first year with the Astros. He was playing catch before a game to warm up, and the guy he was tossing to had the ball slip out of his hand making for a bad throw back to Pence. This was just warm up, but Pence actually dove for the ball trying to make the catch.

    2
    Reply
  42. Frisco500

    6 years ago

    Yes! Get go Pence!! Tha Reverend. You’ll be a Giant no matter what you do in life.

    Reply
  43. Brizzo123

    6 years ago

    Surprised to see him go to the Rangers with all those other weak OF’s out there.

    Good for him though he’s always been fun to watch and hopefully he can find some success in that hitter friendly park

    Reply
  44. queensburykid

    6 years ago

    I think this is a minor mistake by the Rangers. More of a marketing ploy. Pence can not field anymore. Better to give a rookie an opportunity or use the money elsewhere. This move is really grasping.

    Reply
    • scottn59c

      6 years ago

      Don’t worry, if he sucks, that’s what Spring Training is for – a look, and something more only if he warrants it.

      Reply
  45. Rex Block

    6 years ago

    I love Hunter Pence. Kind of lost track of him last year and in the offseason. If he does great for the Rangers in ST, then hope he gets a gig in the majors. It’s a safe deal for the Rangers with little risk since they can part ways if it doesn’t work out.

    Reply
  46. talking baseball

    6 years ago

    Hunter will always have a place as a GIANT in San Francisco !!

    1
    Reply
  47. Johnny Papelseed

    6 years ago

    Hunter Pence can’t parallel park

    2
    Reply
  48. canocorn

    6 years ago

    Recommended reading:

    Fear and Loathing in San Francisco

    by: Hunter S. Pence

    Reply
  49. madmanTX

    6 years ago

    I remember seeing Hunter’s last game in Round Rock right before catching his first game in Houston. He was one of my favorite players and I hated seeing him leave Houston. It would be great to see him in a Rangers uniform. I hope he makes it.

    Reply
  50. pustule bosey

    6 years ago

    well hopefully now that he isn’t in sf he can sell his condo in the millennium tower before it falls down

    Reply
  51. NickGarren

    6 years ago

    making 18 mil and keeping the D/L warm to now making the vet min.,,KHARMA!!

    Reply
  52. Coal tender

    6 years ago

    Pence is in good shape and could help the Rangers off the bench.

    Reply

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