:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/45627330/usa-today-8030763.0.jpg)
The Texas Rangers have signed outfielder Ryan Ludwick to a minor league contract, per multiple reports.
Ludwick, who turns 37 in July, was originally drafted by the Oakland A's in 1999, and was traded to the Rangers prior to the 2002 season, along with Mario Ramos, Jason Hart and Gerald Laird, for Carlos Pena and Mike Venafro. He has spent time in the majors with the Rangers, Cardinals, Indians, Padres, and Pirates, and was with the Reds the previous three seasons.
Ludwick is a career .260/.330/.451 hitter who put up a .244/.308/.375 line for the Reds in 2014. A righthanded hitter, Ludwick gives the Rangers some depth and insurance in left field, where the team has a variety of candidates, but no one who appears to be a clear-cut option at the position.
According to Evan Grant, Ludwick will make $1.75 million this year if he makes the major league roster.
