As the Texas Rangers continue to prepare for Spring Training in Surprise, Arizona, this coming February, the team recently announced signing seven free agents to minor-league contracts, including two free agents who previously played for them. All seven players were invited to the Major League Spring Training camp, which starts on Wednesday, February 14, 2023, and falls on Valentine’s Day — and, if you’re Catholic, the first day of Lent. Here’s an in-depth look at the Texas Rangers’ recent minor-league deals of seven non-roster players.
RHP – Jesús Tinoco
Jesús Tinoco is a Venezuelan right-handed pitcher. Tinoco has played for the Texas Rangers in 2022. The 28-year-old made his MLB debut with the Colorado Rockies on May 31, 2019, where he played in 2019 and 2020-21. He also played for the Miami Marlins in 2020 and the Saitama Seibu Lions in 2023. Like with Colorado, Tinoco would re-sign with Texas on December 11, 2023, for a second stint. Tinoco’s contract is a minor league one, which could help the Rangers’ apparent weakness in relief pitching.
OF – Elier Hernández
Elier Hernández is a Dominican outfielder. Hernández made his MLB debut with the Texas Rangers on July 14, 2022. The 29-year-old signed with the Kansas City Royals as an international free agent on July 20, 2011, and debuted with 60 appearances for the Idaho Falls Chukars in 2022. Hernández re-signed with Texas on December 27, 2023, and received a new minor league contract. Hernández’s new contract included an invitation to Spring Training, and his consistent play can help the Rangers’ outfield woes.
OF – Sandro Fabian
Sandro Fabian is a Dominican outfielder. Fabian signed a minor league contract with the Texas Rangers as a free agent on November 22, 2023. Fabian’s new contract included an invitation to Spring Training. Fabian has re-upped to the Rangers, where he’ll compete for a reserve role in Spring Training, but he may return to the Round Rock Express in the near future.
C – Andrew Knapp
Andrew Knapp is an American catcher. Knapp played for the Philadelphia Phillies from 2017 to 2021, the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2022, the Seattle Mariners in 2022, and the San Francisco Giants in 2022.
Knapp signed a minor league contract with the Texas Rangers on December 27, 2023. I don’t know how long Knapp’s tenure would be in Texas, but he’s an accomplished catcher who can be a defensive difference-maker.
RHP – Diego Castillo
Diego Castillo is a Dominican right-handed pitcher. Castillo made his MLB debut with the Tampa Bay Rays on June 6, 2018, and played for the Rays from 2018 to 2021 before being traded to the Seattle Mariners, where he played from 2021 to 2023. Castillo signed a minor league contract with the Texas Rangers on December 18, 2023. If Castillo can re-establish himself as a high-quality arm or a reliever, Texas can gain a significant boost in the pitching and/or relief pitching departments.
OF – Derek Hill
Derek Hill is an American center fielder. Hill made his MLB debut with the Detroit Tigers on September 4, 2020. Hill played for the Tigers from 2020 to 2022 and the Washington Nationals in 2023. Hill signed a minor league contract with the Texas Rangers on December 27, 2023. If Hill continues his red-hot hitting, Texas can capitalize on Hill’s success and improve its defense.
RHP – Gerardo Carrillo
Gerardo Carrillo is a Mexican right-handed pitcher. Carrillo previously played in two games for the Washington Nationals’ Double-A Harrisburg Senators but spent most of 2023 in the Mexican League. The 25-year-old was part of the Nationals’ return from the Los Angeles Dodgers in the Trea Turner and Max Scherzer trade but has yet to advance past the Double-A level. Carrillo signed a minor league contract with the Texas Rangers on December 27, 2023. Carrillo’s signing seems shaky, but he can become a pitcher or a relief pitcher.
