Rangers Sign Veteran Outfielder One Day After Being Released By Yankees

After being released by the New York Yankees earlier this week, the Texas Rangers have quickly signed outfielder Rafael Ortega.

The 31-year-old was released by the New York Yankees after not making the team's Opening Day roster.

Ortega struggled during Grapefruit League play, hitting just .158 with three home runs, seven RBIs, and two stolen bases in 38 at-bats.

A nice job by Rafael Ortega to run this down in CF! pic.twitter.com/OwPufJJ3VN

— Talkin' Yanks (@TalkinYanks) March 18, 2023

Despite this, Ortega's past performance in the majors with the Chicago Cubs suggested he could be a valuable player, with a .265/.344/.408 batting line over the two seasons he spent with the club.

In 2021, he hit .291 with 11 home runs, 33 RBIs, and 12 stolen bases.

Outfielder Rafael Ortega, who opted out of his contract with the Yankees, has signed a minor league deal with the Rangers.

— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) March 31, 2023

The Yankees' decision to keep Estevan Florial on the roster due to his lack of minor league options left may have contributed to Ortega's departure.

Nonetheless, Ortega now has a chance to compete for a more significant role with the Texas Rangers, who currently have a need for a center fielder due to Leody Taveras being sidelined with an oblique injury.

The Yankees are choosing between Estevan Florial and Rafael Ortega to make the roster

If they choose Ortega, they’re getting a lefty who pulls the ball and hits NUKES pic.twitter.com/S0P5XsmzTz

— Dom (@BronxBmbrz) March 28, 2023

Ortega's left-handed bat and good defense make him a potentially valuable asset for the Rangers. It remains to be seen if the veteran will make it back to the majors with the Rangers, but it's an interesting low-risk, high-reward signing by the Rangers. Photo Credit:  Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports