According to InsideTheRangers.com, the Texas Rangers have signed Charlie Culberson to a minor league contract. A spring training invitation is included in the deal.
The Rangers have brought Culberson in on a minor league deal for the second year in a row.
Culberson earned a roster spot in 2021 as a platoon partner with Brock Holt at the third base out of camp, though he ended up playing a bigger role than that.
With the exception of center field and catcher, the 32-year-old utility player appeared at least once at seven different positions last season. Yes, that includes two mound appearances (two scoreless innings, two hits allowed).
Culberson is appealing to the Rangers for two reasons right now. For starters, he was well-liked in the locker room last season.
Having some continuity of seasoned leadership, even with the splashy acquisitions, could help with the move from assessment mode to the “expect to win” mindset.
Culberson also served as the Rangers’ player representative on the MLB Players Association, where he voted for the new CBA on their behalf.
Despite the fact that he was a free agent at the time of the lockout, Culberson took the effort to keep Rangers players informed about the status of CBA discussions.
26 of the 30 player representatives voted in support of the deal, including Culberson.
Second, in 133 at-bats last season, Culberson slashed .346/.376/.556/.932 against left-handed pitchers. Culberson, on the other side, hit.123/.206/.175/.382 versus right-handed pitchers.
Culberson fits the description as a decent bat against southpaws as the Rangers hunt for platoon candidates, including Brad Miller.
Who Is Charlie Culberson Playing For In 2022?
Charlie Culberson is playing for the Texas Rangers in 2022.