Texas Rangers outright Blanks, Corporan, Richardson and Strausborger
The Texas Rangers made several moves Wednesday on outright assignments, outrighting four players throughout the course of the day.
Utility player Kyle Blanks was outrighted after a season riddled with injuries in 2015. Blanks has experience in seven MLB seasons, seeing time with the Oakland Athletics and San Diego Padres, before signing with Texas prior to the 2015 season.
Injuries hindered the 29-year old’s playing time, as he just saw 18 games with the Rangers in 2015. In that limited playing time, Blanks would hit .313 with three home runs and six driven in. Blanks is a solid depth option for any organization, and could make a good bench piece and defensive replacement for many clubs.
Also outrighted was 31-year old catcher Carlos Corporan, who played 33 games with Texas this past season. Corporan struggled mightily at the plate, scuffling to a .178 average with three home runs and 15 RBI. Corporan also has big league experience with the Milwaukee Brewers and Houston Astros. Corporan could feasibly sign a minor league deal with several teams, as catching depth is often sought after, especially with a low-risk, high-reward potential.
32-year old outfielder Antoan Richardson was also among the four players outrighted by the Rangers on Wednesday. Richardson did not see the big leagues in 2015, and last played in the MLB in 2014, where he posted five hits in 16 plate appearances with a run batted in. Richardson did not see too much baseball in 2015 at all, and will hope to catch on with a club this offseason.
Ryan Strausborger was also given an outright assignment, as the speedy 27-year old outfielder looks to find a new home. Strausborger was just 9-for-45 in 31 games in 2015, where he stole two bases and also scored nine runs. His speed tool could catch him on a minor league deal with several teams looking for outfield depth and speed.