Ian Desmond's long and drawn-out free agency saga is finally over, as the former Nationals shortstop has signed a one-year deal to join the Texas Rangers.
The news was first reported by Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports, who notes the Rangers will forfeit the 19th overall pick as part of MLB's qualifying offer system. Desmond rejected a $15.8 million offer from the Nats after the World Series to test free agency. Desmond's new deal is reportedly worth $8 million, or about half of the QO he turned down.
This also comes after Desmond turned down multiple extension offers from the Nationals in recent years. He at one point eyed this offseason as an opportunity to earn a long-term deal of over $100 million.
The Rangers' interest in Desmond heated up this weekend as they reached out to see if he would play left field. They have a void in their outfield with Josh Hamilton set to begin the season on the disabled list. Desmond could spend much of the 2016 season in the outfield, while also pitching in at infield positions.
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