Monday Newsletter time: 'Unbelievable': Texas Rangers' top minor-leaguers are fired up by free-agent signings

Josh Jung said the additions show a commitment from ownership and the front office that they intent to turn the direction of the team around.

Dec 13, 2021

Rangers minor-leaguers took note of all the money the big-league team spent to add players, including shortstop Corey Seager (The Associated Press/Richard W. Rodriguez).

Two weeks ago the Texas Rangers were finishing up their pre-lockout free-agency haul by agreeing to terms with shortstop Corey Seager.

Seager was the fourth player to commit to the Rangers in a 24-hour period in which they spent $561.2 million. Their spending spree, which also included adding Marcus Semien, Jon Gray and Kole Calhoun, stunned baseball and impressed players in their farm system.

And the Rangers likely are not done shopping.

“Unbelievable,” said Josh Jung, the team’s No. 2 prospect.

Even before the spree, top prospect Jack Leiter said he was excited about the prospects of the Rangers spending money and was hoping they would sign “some dudes.”

Fellow right-hander Owen White, whose stock is on the rise after a dominant tour in the Arizona Fall League, also took note of the signings.

“I’m trying to get there as quick as I can now,” White said. “I want as many years with Seager and Semien and all of them behind me."

The Rangers have been supporting minor-leaguers. Ownership has committed money to purchase both A ball teams, built a dormitory in Arizona to house players, and spent lavishly on a new academy in the Dominican Republic.

While the signings have the potential of doing great things for the Rangers on the field, the splurge also reinforces that the front office and ownership will support the players in the organization by putting players around them.

“You're going out and getting two of the best of the best from last year in their respective leagues,” Jung said. “And that's awesome to see as a player because that shows the commitment from top dogs that we're changing this thing around.”

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Spring tickets available

The lockout has yet to cost baseball any games, spring or regular season, so it’s business as usual with things like checking in on minor-league players and selling season tickets.

The fine people at Surprise Stadium in Arizona will begin selling ticket packages at 11 a.m. today for Rangers spring training. Available for purchase are full-season and half-season packages, a seven-game mini plan, five- and seven-game flex packages, and group packages.

The Rangers are scheduled to open the Cactus League schedule Feb. 26 against Kansas City. Call 623-222-2222 or visit Surprise Stadium.com to make your purchase.

Individual tickets go on sale Jan. 3.

I tell people all the time that spring training makes for a wonderful family vacation. The Wilsons made the trek from Colorado each year beginning when I was in fourth grade through my senior year of high school.

Hopefully the back fields are open to fans next year. They were closed this year because of COVID-19 protocols as the vaccines were just being rolled out.

The back fields allow fans to get a close-up view of players, snag a couple autographs, and get taste of the Arizona sun. Warning: It can be cool in the mornings.

The Texas Rangers Newsletter is planning to be there for at least a couple stints. Even more reason to subscribe.

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ICYMI …

My wife informed me Sunday afternoon that she has completed her Christmas shopping for me. I informed her that I haven’t even started on her. Why? I’ve been busy cranking out Rangers content. Here’s the latest, in case you missed it.

The Sunday Read: Josh Jung mid-offseason update

Friday on the Farm: First baseman Blaine Crim keeps hitting.

Hitting camp for top prospects, new coaches

Bullpen help is coming, from the injured list.

Texas Rangers Baseball Podcast, with guest Derek Holland

Texas Rnagers Baseball Podcast YouTube channel (subscribe for free)