The Texas Rangers latest acquisition, Shin-Soo Choo, is setting his sights on the World Series to live up to the expectations of a seven-year, $130 million signing.
Choo, 31, said during his introductory press conference in Arlington, Texas, on Friday that he has now realized his lifelong dream of signing a big contract. Now, his goal is winning a title as the Rangers’ left fielder and leadoff hitter.
“Today is a special day for me,” Choo said, according to MLB.com. “Thirteen years ago, I was an 18-year-old kid who didn’t know anything. I came here to play baseball and worked really hard. Today is my dream come true. My next dream is to win the World Series.”
Choo played the last six seasons of his major league career with the Cleveland Indians and the Cincinnati Reds. His .392 on-base percentage is eighth best among active players. He has also has an impressive .465 career slugging percentage and has stolen 96 bases over the last five seasons.
Prior to Choo signing with the Rangers, the New York Yankees had proposed a seven-year, $140 million contract to Choo, who was considered one of the prize free agents available this offseason. Previous reports said Choo spurned the Yankees in the hopes of getting an even better deal.
But Choo denied those reports, saying that even though the Yankees were one of many teams that approached him, they took the offer off the table before even giving him a chance to respond. He said they instead signed free agent outfielder Carlos Beltran to a $45 million, three-year deal, a bargain compared to the offer they made to Choo.
Photo via Naver
“It’s true that I received an offer from the Yankees,” Choo told Naver.com. “But I never had a chance to say yes or no. The Yankees made me an offer, and signed Carlos Beltran the next day.”
Rangers general manager Jon Daniels believes acquiring two first class players in Choo and first baseman Prince Fielder this offseason completes his pursuit of building a title contending team.
“We feel we’ve added two impact players to our lineup,” Daniels said. “We feel good about what we’ve been able to accomplish. Choo was the perfect fit. He’s one of the most productive offensive players in the game. We get a sense he is truly driven.”
Photo via Naver
