Baltimore Orioles: Steve Johnson to Texas

Steve Johnson, formerly of the Baltimore Orioles, has signed with Texas.

The Baltimore Orioles have lost another free agent – in theory. Steve Johnson, the son of former Oriole and current MASN analyst Dave Johnson, has signed a minor league deal with the Texas Rangers’ organization. Johnson was DFA’d on December 2nd by the O’s.

Johnson had the opportunity to turn down a minor league assigment at the time, and he had offers from several clubs. He signed with Texas, who will presumably send him to tripe-A Round Rock. For what it’s worth, Chris Davis spent some considerable time there.

Johnson made his MLB debut in 2012 after being traded to the Orioles’ organization from Los Angeles. Given that he was the son of a former Oriole, it was somewhat of a story. However similarly, he was a native son of Baltimore. Playing for your hometown team is an opportunity that most players don’t get.

Lob and Smash

Johnson was drafted by Los Angeles and traded to the Orioles in 2009 along with third baseman Josh Bell, for closer George Sherrill. As I said above, Chris Davis spent some time at Round Rock, which is where the legends of his power started. It’s obviously a huge hitter’s park.

Next: Baltimore Orioles were in on Yoenis Cespedes

Much of the Pacific Coast League features hitter’s parks, so Johnson will have his work cut out for him. He was hampered by injuries towards the end of his stay in Baltimore, which kept him out of the lineup. However speaking for myself I wish him well and I hope Orioles fans do as well.