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MLB Rumors: Adrian Sampson is leaving the Texas Rangers to join the Lotte Giants of the KBO, according to multiple reports. Sampson, a righthanded pitcher, spent part of 2018 and all of 2019 in the majors with the Rangers.
Sampson was a likely candidate to be dropped from the 40 man roster this offseason, and by going overseas he has an opportunity to make more money for 2020 than he would in the United States as a minor league swingman type. The Rangers will receive a fee from Chiba Lotte and then waive Sampson.
Sampson did quality work as a starter the first couple of months of the season for Texas, but saw his performance decline as the year went on, and ended the year with a 5.89 ERA and 5.69 FIP in 125.1 IP.
Once Sampson is removed from the 40 man roster, Texas will be at 39, but there will likely need to be several more moves needed to open up space for free agents or trade acquisitions.