Ian Desmond thanked the Texas Rangers on Monday for thinking outside the box, signing him to play left field in 2016 and said he's ready to embrace the switch from shortstop to the outfield.
Desmond talked to reporters after signing his $8 million, one-year contract. The Rangers announced the deal Monday morning, and Desmond was set to take part in workouts.
The Nationals extended a $15.8 million qualifying offer to Desmond, but he elected to test free agency. The Rangers must surrender a first-round draft pick to the Nationals for signing Desmond, who reportedly turned down a seven-year, $107 million extension offer from the Nationals before the 2014 season.