The Texas Rangers agreed on a one-year, $8 million contract with former Washington Nationals shortstop Ian Desmond, according to multiple reports Sunday.
The deal is pending a physical.
Desmond, 30, decided to test free agency after the Nationals extended a $15.8 million qualifying offer to him.
The Rangers must surrender a first-round draft pick (19th overall) to Washington for signing Desmond since the Nationals extended a qualifying offer.
The Rangers have been concerned with their lineup as slugger Josh Hamilton is expected to miss at least the first month while recovering with inflammation in his left knee.
After playing nearly his entire seven-year career at shortstop, Desmond is an option to play left field in Hamilton’s absence.
Desmond struggled last season, batting .233 with 19 home runs and 62 RBIs, and also made a National League-high 27 errors. He has a .264 career average, with 110 homers and 432 RBIs in 927 games.