The Texas Rangers have reportedly agreed to terms of a two-year, $16 million contract with starting pitcher Jordan Lyles. The Rangers are beefing up their starting rotation this offseason, already having signed starter Kyle Gibson. Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic was quick to report the agreement between the teams. Following Rosenthal, Jeff Passan of ESPN reported the terms of the contract.
Free-agent right-hander Jordan Lyles in agreement with #Rangers, pending physical.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 7, 2019
Right-hander Jordan Lyles and the Texas Rangers are in agreement on a two-year, $16 million deal, sources tell ESPN. @Ken_Rosenthal had Lyles to Texas first.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 7, 2019
In 2019, Lyles began the season with the Pittsburgh Pirates but was ultimately shipped over to the Milwaukee Brewers at the 2019 trade deadline. In total for 2019, Lyles was 12-8 with a 4.15 ERA, 1.32 WHIP, and 146 strikeouts over 141 innings of work between the two teams. Lyles will join a Rangers team that is currently constructing its new ballpark as well as looking to pursue big-name free agent, Anthony Rendon, this offseason.
The signing of Lyles is a lower value signing that leaves them with plenty of room to continue in the pursuit of free-agent infielder Anthony Rendon. Rendon is a Texas native who has reportedly already met with the Rangers organization. However, the signing of Lyles helps them round out their starting rotation and offer some depth for the 2020 season as the Rangers look to compete in the American League West division.
