Colby Lewis, Texas Rangers expected to complete new deal

All along the general expectation has been that Colby Lewis and the Texas Rangers will reach an agreement on a new contract, keeping the right-hander in Texas. It’s unclear how recently the two sides have spoken and each is free to explore their options on the open market, but Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News still believes that the chances remain high that Lewis will remain a member of the Rangers.

"Two sources said Monday that the likelihood remains high for continuing the relationship. One source close to Lewis said he believed it was “everybody’s intent” that Lewis remain with the Rangers."

Lewis, 35, missed a season and a half with arm and hip injuries before returning to the Rangers’ rotation this past season. He led the club with 170.2 IP, posting a 5.18 ERA and 1.521 WHIP while going 10-14. The numbers are hardly spectacular and were a far cry from what Lewis had provided the team from 2010 through 2012: a 3.93 ERA, 1.175 WHIP, 8.1 K/9, and 2.4 BB/9 in 506.1 IP.

In 2014 Lewis earned $2 million in base salary and an additional $3.8 million in incentives. It is unknown what he’s looking for in a new deal, but Grant notes that the split between salary and incentives – a likely course given his extensive injury history – could play a key factor in Lewis’ decision.

Between his relative low cost and ability to cover a lot of innings, Lewis could prove to be an interesting option on the open market but most teams won’t be viewing him as a priority on the pitching front. If Lewis waits out the market, allowing teams to address their needs with the bigger name arms, then the options could become more plentiful.