Skip to main content
Rangers' Sights Have 'Evolved'  During Lockout

Source: Rangers Reunite With Charlie Culberson

For the second year in a row, the Texas Rangers are bringing Charlie Culberson into camp on a minor league deal.

In this story:

Charlie Culberson

SURPRISE, Ariz. — The Texas Rangers are bringing back Charlie Culberson on a minor league contract, a source confirms with InsideTheRangers.com. The deal comes with an invite to spring training.

As of the time this story was published, the club has not confirmed the signing.

Jul 2, 2021; Seattle, Washington, USA; Texas Rangers shortstop Charlie Culberson (2) is greeted in the dugout after scoring a run against the Seattle Mariners during the third inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Former Texas Rangers third baseman Charlie Culberson throws to first base during a game in 2021. Culberson is attempting to make the Atlanta Braves roster as a pitcher.

This is the second consecutive year the Rangers have brought Culberson in on a minor league deal. In 2021, he won a roster spot out of camp as a platoon partner with Brock Holt at third base, though Culberson ultimately filled a bigger role than that. The 32-year-old utility man made at least one appearance at seven different positions last year, all except center field and catcher. Yes, that includes two appearances on the mound (two scoreless innings, two hits allowed).

There are two immediate reasons why Culberson is an attractive option for the Rangers. First, he was highly respected in the clubhouse last year. Even with the splashy additions, having some continuity of veteran leadership could help with the transition from evaluation mode to "expect to win" mode.

In addition, Culberson was the player rep on the MLB Players Association who cast the vote on the Rangers' behalf for the new collective bargaining agreement. Even though he was a free agent during the lockout, Culberson took the time to keep Rangers players up to date on what was happening during CBA negotiations. 

Jun 3, 2021; Denver, Colorado, USA; Texas Rangers infielder Charlie Culberson (2) fields the ball at relief pitcher Wes Benjamin (63) in the fifth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field.
Jun 3, 2021; Denver, Colorado, USA; Texas Rangers first baseman Charlie Culberson (2) fields the ball in the second inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field.

Of the 30 player reps, 26 of them—including Culberson—voted in favor of the agreement.

Second, Culberson mashed left-handed pitching last year, slashing .346/.376/.556/.932 in 133 at-bats. Conversely, Culberson slashed .123/.206/.175/.382 against right-handers. As the Rangers look for possible platoon candidates, including Brad Miller, Culberson fits the bill as a quality bat against southpaws.

Make sure to like 'Inside The Rangers' on Facebook

© 2024 ABG-SI LLC. SPORTS ILLUSTRATED IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF ABG-SI LLC. - All Rights Reserved. The content on this site is for entertainment and educational purposes only. All betting content is intended for an audience ages 21+. All advice, including picks and predictions, is based on individual commentators’ opinions and not that of Minute Media or its related brands. All picks and predictions are suggestions only. No one should expect to make money from the picks and predictions discussed on this website. For more information, please read our Legal Disclaimer. Gambling content intended for 21+. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER.