Rangers to Sign Ex-Top Prospect Catcher Blake Swihart
By Adam Weinrib
Shortly after making the weekend's biggest splash by trading for Indians ace Corey Kluber, the Rangers are back to dealing at the margins.
They've become the latest team to be tantalized by Blake Swihart's talent, and will be signing the former Red Sox top prospect to a minor-league deal.
Blake Swihart agrees to minors deal with Rangers, team announces
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 16, 2019
This isn't a singular signing, but rather a slew of moves, notably including ex-Texas closer (and former No. 1 overall pick in 2004!) Matt Bush also returning on a two-year minor-league deal following his Tommy John rehab.
#Rangers transactions for Monday: Two-year MLB deal for Joely Rodriguez; two-year minor-league deal for Matt Bush (Tommy John); minors deals with invites to RHP Tim Dillard, LHP Brian Flynn, RHP Arturo Reyes and C/OF Blake Swihart.
— Jeff Wilson (@JeffWilson_FWST) December 16, 2019
Swihart endured a tumultuous 2019, suffering the tragedy of losing his adopted brother before the season even began, then running out of chances after years of position changes and organizational philosophy shifts in Boston. He went to Arizona for the summer and didn't fare much better, hitting .163 overall.
This may be Swihart's final chance at things, and he has a chance to compete with the rather unimpressive likes of Jeff Mathis and Jose Trevino for playing time (though Robinson Chirinos' return has been rumored).