Rangers sign Scott Baker to minor league contract

The Texas Rangers have agreed to terms on a deal with free agent right-hander Scott Baker, according to a major league source. The deal is pending a physical.

Baker will receive $1 million in guaranteed money if he makes the major league roster and can earn more due to performance bonuses, according to sources. He will be able to opt out of the deal on May 1st if he is not on the major league roster.

Baker was granted his release from the Mariners on Monday after refusing an assignment to Triple-A Tacoma. He was said to be searching for an opportunity in a major league rotation, but is not likely to be guaranteed a roster spot if he signs with Texas.

Texas signed both Tommy Hanson and Joe Saunders to compete for back-end-of-the-rotation spots during spring training, but may bring in Baker to man the fifth spot at the beginning of the season. The team released Hanson on Wednesday, potentially clearing a path for Baker in the future.

In twelve innings with the Mariners this spring, Baker posted a 6.75 ERA.