Rangers settle with Diekman, sign Johnson

The Texas Rangers have agreed to a one year deal with lefty reliever Jake Diekman, avoiding arbitration.  Diekman and the Rangers agreed to a one year, $1.255M contract, plus incentives.

Diekman, 29, was acquired by Texas as part of the Cole Hamels deal, and put up a 2.08 ERA in 21.2 IP with Texas in 2015.  This was his first year of arbitration eligibility.  The only Ranger who is arb-eligible and who hasn't agreed to a contract yet is Mitch Moreland.

The Rangers have also announced that they have signed righthanded pitcher Steve Johnson to a minor league deal, with an invitation to spring training.  Johnson, 28, was a 13th round draft pick of the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2005, who was traded to the Orioles, along with Josh Bell, for George Sherrill in 2009.  Johnson has a 4.25 ERA in 59.1 IP in the majors, and worked primarily in relief last season, splitting his time between AAA and the majors in the Orioles' system.  He will presumably get a look as a reliever in spring training, and will likely be sent to Round Rock as bullpen depth.