Texas Rangers Bolster Roster with Seven Minor League Signings, Adding Depth and Competition for Spring Training

The Texas Rangers have recently made a flurry of minor league signings, extending invitations to all the players to join their big league spring training camp. Notable among the signings are Diego Castillo and Jesus Tinoco, whose signings were previously reported. Additionally, the Rangers have secured the services of outfielder Derek Hill, catcher Andrew Knapp, and outfielder Elier Hernandez, all of whom bring valuable MLB experience to the table.

Derek Hill, having played in the Major Leagues for the past four seasons, made his debut with the Tigers in 2020 and accumulated 95 games for Detroit between 2020 and 2022. Last winter, he inked a minor league deal with the Nationals and appeared in 13 more MLB games during the 2022 season. However, Hill’s journey took a turn when he was designated for assignment by Washington in July, ultimately becoming a free agent after the regular season.

Hill, who will soon turn 28, has faced challenges with his hitting performance in the majors, as evidenced by a.229/.279/.314 slash line across 304 plate appearances. Despite being selected 23rd overall in the 2014 draft by the Tigers, it took him some time to find his stride, even in the minor leagues. However, his performance at the Triple-A level has been commendable, boasting a.288/.348/.472 batting line, along with 22 home runs and 28 stolen bases in 756 plate appearances.

Despite Hill’s fluctuating performance, his speed, success at Triple-A, and versatility in playing all three outfield positions make him a valuable addition to the Rangers’ Triple-A roster. With Robbie Grossman and Travis Jankowski becoming free agents, Hill, alongside Elier Hernandez, will provide much-needed outfield depth. Furthermore, the Rangers anticipate the MLB debut of top prospect Wyatt Langford in 2024, while Evan Carter has already established himself as a regular outfielder heading into the upcoming season.

Elier Hernandez, a 29-year-old outfielder, is set to embark on his fourth consecutive season with the Texas organization. Originally signed by the Royals in 2011, Hernandez’s prowess has been particularly evident at the Triple-A level, especially over the past two seasons. In 2022, he finally received his maiden opportunity in the majors, featuring in 14 games for the Rangers and concluding the season with a.442 OPS across 35 plate appearances.

Among the three players, Andrew Knapp, aged 32, boasts the most MLB experience, having appeared in 325 games from 2017 to 2022. Primarily serving as a part-time catcher and backup with the Phillies, Knapp’s journey took a different turn following his free agency after the 2021 season. In 2022, he suited up for three different teams—the Pirates, Mariners, and Giants. While he has been associated with the Reds, Tigers, and Astros organizations, Knapp has yet to receive a big league call-up. In 2023, he spent the entire season at the Triple-A level, combining for a.233/.328/.377 batting line with Detroit and Houston’s top affiliates.

With Mitch Garver recently joining the Mariners and leaning towards a designated hitter role, the Rangers recognized the need for additional depth at the catcher position. Jonah Heim is expected to start, and Knapp will provide competition for Sam Huff as the backup during spring training. As there are no other catchers in the organization with MLB experience, the Rangers may explore adding one or two more catchers on minor league deals to enhance their catching options for spring training.