Lance Berkman will try to resurrect his career once again.
At one point reported to be very close to retiring, the longtime Houston Astros slugger is set to sign a one-year, $10 million contract with the Texas Rangers, MLB.com’s Brian McTaggart reports. The deal includes a vesting option for 2014 should Berkman see 550 plate appearances this season.
Lance Berkman tells MLB.com he’s signed a one-year deal with a vesting option with Rangers. #Rangers #Astros
— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) January 5, 2013
Berkman, soon to turn 37 and now a defensive liability no matter where he plays on the diamond, is expected to be the Rangers’ primary designated hitter. After a tough 2010 season, Berkman resurrected his career in St. Louis in 2011, posting a .959 OPS. However, two knee surgeries last season held him to just 32 games.
Berkman was reported to be a target of the Boston Red Sox, who likely moved in another direction when they agreed to a now-in-doubt contract with Mike Napoli. Over the course of his 14-season career, Berkman has 360 home runs and a .953 OPS.
