The Texas Rangers have made a couple of moves today, signing outfielder James Jones to a minor league deal, and trading lefthanded pitcher Will Lamb to the Chicago White Sox for righthanded pitcher Myles Jaye.
Jones was acquired by the Rangers as part of the Leonys Martin deal, but was non-tendered in advance of the contract deadline in November. The Rangers indicated at the time a desire to bring him back on a minor league deal, however, and Jones will presumably be in the mix for a backup outfield job this spring.
Lamb, 25, was the team's 2nd round draft pick in their bizarre 2011 draft, where most of the early picks were busts, but the team selected quite a few players who have had value in the later rounds. Lamb has thrown in the mid-90s at times, but has issues with consistency and command. Lamb has worked primarily in relief since 2013, and split the 2015 season between AA and AAA. Lamb was Rule 5 eligible, but was not selected today.
Jaye, who turns 24 later this month, was a 17th round draft pick of the Toronto Blue Jays in the 2010 draft. He has spent the past two seasons as a starter for AA Birmingham, and was acquired by the ChiSox in the 2011-12 season in exchange for Jason Frasor. You can read a write-up on Jaye here. Jaye likely represents minor league rotation depth for the Rangers. Like Lamb, Jaye was Rule 5 eligible, but not selected today.