Texas Rangers sign outfielder Nate Schierholtz to minor league deal

The Texas Rangers have signed free agent outfielder Nate Schierholtz to a minor league contract, per multiple reports.

Schierholtz, who turns 31 next week, was a 2nd round pick of the San Francisco Giants in 2003, and spent time in the majors with the Giants from 2007 through 2012.  He was dealt to Philadelphia, along with Tommy Joseph and former Ranger Seth Rosin, in July, 2012, as part of the deal that sent Hunter Pence to San Fran.  After being non-tendered that winter, Schierholtz joined the Cubs.  He had a solid 2013 campaign for Chicago, but was awful in 2014, resulting in the Cubs releasing him in August.  Schierholtz then signed with the Nationals, and finished out the season with Washington before becoming a free agent at season's end.

Schierholtz has a career .253/.302/.405 line, and gives the Rangers a potential lefthanded hitting option as a backup corner outfielder for 2015.  If he makes the team, he would make $1.75 million for 2015.  Like Ryan Ludwick, who the Rangers signed earlier this week, Schierholtz is a low-risk depth signing who the Rangers can take a look at this spring, and see if he can bounce back after a bad 2014.