*Photo from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution*
Outfield depth was needed. Not so much anymore. OF Robbie Grossman and the Texas Rangers have agreed to a one year, $2 million contract, according to an announcement by the team on Friday.
Grossman is a switch hitting outfielder capable of playing both corners and is a need for the Rangers. Left field has been a recent problem for the Rangers, with 13 different players getting starts in left field in 2022 and finishing in dead last in the league in total production for each of the last 3 seasons.
Rangers GM Chris Young said of adding Grossman that "We think he complements our lineup very well. Certainly his numbers over the last couple of years, from the right side, have been very strong. He's a solid defender. He's a good baserunner. He's a great competitor. Good teammate. He fits our clubhouse and we think it raises the floor of our team and potentially lengthens our lineup."
Last season, Grossman played for the Detroit Tigers and Atlanta Braves, having a bit of a down year. Grossman ended the season with a .209 batting average, .311 slugging percentage, and .622 OPS, hitting 7 home runs with 45 RBI's in 129 games played.
The 2021 season was a strong one for Grossman. He set career bests in games played with 156, hits with 133, home runs with 23, RBI's with 67, runs scored with 88, stolen bases with 20, and walks with 98. Grossman's contract contains another $3 million in bonuses that can max the deal at $5 million.
Rangers manager Bruce Bochy said of Grossman that "He's got some great qualities about him, he's starting with the clubhouse, he’s a great teammate. He also gives us another experienced bat in the lineup and the guy knows how to play the game. I've seen him up from the other side and so I'm excited to have him. I know that it feels a little crowded right now, but it's good to have a good, experienced guy that can do some good things with the bat and play good left field for us."
Grossman has played in the majors for 10 seasons, playing for 5 different teams in that time. He has amassed a .245 batting average, .346 on base percentage, and .377 slugging percentage, driving in 366 runs while hitting 80 home runs in 1,011 games played. Grossman has a .179 batting average in 10 postseason games.
Last season, Grossman hit .320 with a .436 on base percentage and .443 slugging percentage against left handed pitching, while hitting just .163 against righties. That sets him up for a platoon likely with Brad Miller, who has a .765 career OPS against righty pitchers and a .607 OPS against lefties.
Grossman has a host of competition for a roster spot likely in left field. Ezequiel Duran, Mark Mathias, Josh Smith, Travis Jankowski, Bubba Thompson, Clint Frazier, and Joe McCarthy all vying for playing time in the outfield.
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