Feb. 29, 2016, the day Ian Desmond officially signed a one-year, $8 million contract with the Texas Rangers. It was only two years after he reportedly turned down a seven-year, $107 million deal from the Washington Nationals. It was a surprise that a player with his track record signed so late. He won three-straight NL Silver Slugger awards from 2012-14, and tallied 19 or more homers from 2012-2015. After playing shortstop for 913 games, the Rangers, with Elvis Andrus at short, wanted Desmond to play the outfield. Prior to 2016, Desmond logged only 7 1/3 innings in the outfield in the Majors, and although he possesses the athleticism to play the outfield, only time would tell if he could make the transition.
Desmond has been one of the best signings of the offseason so far, hitting .310 with eight homers and 37 RBIs in 57 games. He has also smacked 15 doubles and has stolen 11 bases. In his last 30 games, Desmond is hitting .374 (49-for-131) with five homers and 25 RBIs. His presence in the lineup has been much needed with outfielders Shin-Soo Choo, Drew Stubbs and Josh Hamilton on the disabled list.
In the field, Desmond does have four errors, but has looked better of late, accruing three assists. He is taking better routes, and is continuing to get better each game.
The 30-year-old has been a leader in the clubhouse, adding to the likes of Adrian Beltre, Prince Fielder and Cole Hamels. If he keeps it up, Desmond will surely be in contention for an All-Star game appearance. The Rangers are atop the American League West at 36-22, and Desmond has been an instrumental part of the Rangers' success.
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