Shin-Soo Choo agrees with Rangers

The Texas Rangers and outfielder Shin-Soo Choo have come to agreement on a seven-year, $130 million deal, according to Jon Heyman of CBSSports. Choo must pass a physical before the deal becomes official. 

Heyman also notes that the Rangers would be out on Tanaka if he is to be posted. The new TV deal has been huge this offseason; the Rangers have really improved their lineup. They added Fielder and Choo to an already good lineup that scored the 8th-highest runs in the MLB. Definitely some "all in" thinking by the Rangers front office. 

The 31-year-old hit .285/.423/.462 with 21 home runs and 54 RBI while mostly hitting atop of the Cincinnati Reds lineup. The on-base machine led the National League in hit-by-pitches and ranked second in walks. This is an invaluable stat that will really help the Rangers at the top of their lineup. He plays decent defensively, posting a .989 fielding percentage, a good three points above the MLB average .986 mark. His range in the outfield is something to be forgotten, and his defensive runs saved is at an ugly -17. Nonetheless, his value comes from his hitting, and the Rangers will take total value from that. 

Over his career, Choo has hit .288/.389/.465 while averaging 20 home runs and 81 RBI per season. Originally signed by the Mariners from Korea in 2000, the Rangers will be Choo's fourth Major League team. He has played for the Mariners (2005-2006), Indians (2006-2012), and the Reds (2013) previously in his Major League career. One of the best free agents on the 2013 market, Choo's value will improve the Rangers OBP and help them continue their playoff chase. 

Choo was Cover The Bases' third-highest free agent on their top 15 free agents list.