Rangers sign Robinson Chirinos to 1-year extension

The Rangers have signed catcher Robinson Chirinos to a 1-year extension with a club option for 2019, according to a club announcement. The deal is worth $2.25 million and the option is valued at $2.375 million ($100k buyout), per Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.

Chirinos was slated to become a free agent after next season, so the new deal locks in his final arbitration salary at $2.25 million and gives Texas an extra year of control at $2.375 million for 2019. Chirinos is due to earn $1.95 million this season.

Chirinos, who turns 33 in June, has been with the Rangers since 2013, hitting .231/.305/.431 with 32 homers in that span. The former Ray appeared in 20 games with Tampa Bay before joining the Rangers in April 2013 and serving as Texas’ backup catcher ever since.

Texas has also tried to work out an extension with starting catcher Jonathan Lucroy, who is slated to hit free agency at the end of the season. The sides have not come close to agreement to this point.