Former All-Star Opts Out of Rangers Deal

Josh Harrison’s time with the Texas Rangers organization was short as the utility player opted out of his minor league deal on Friday, per multiple reports.

Harrison’s MLB.com page indicates that he elected for free agency rather than remain with the Rangers’ Triple-A affiliate, the Round Rock Express.

Harrison has a clause in his contract that allowed him to opt out of the deal and shop his services. Even with the Rangers in the midst of a tight race in the AL West and without third baseman Josh Jung for at least four more weeks, it didn’t look like Harrison was on his way to the Majors anytime soon.

The Rangers signed the former Philadelphia Phillies utility player on Aug. 16.

With Round Rock, Harrison batted 6-for-27 with one home run.

The Phillies signed Harrison, 36, in the off-season after he spent the 2022 season with the Chicago White Sox. Harrison played six different positions for the Phillies, but his bat never got on track He slashed .204/.263/.291/.554 in 40 games, with two home runs and 10 RBI.

Harrison was the player the Phillies cut to make room for pitcher Michael Lorenzen when they acquired him at the trade deadline. Lorenzen has won his first two starts with the Phillies, including a no-hitter.

Harrison is a two-time All-Star with a career .270 batting average, including 73 home runs and 388 RBI in a 13-year career during which he also played for Pittsburgh, Detroit, Washington and Oakland.