DALLAS (105.3 The Fan) - The Texas Rangers have acquired reliever Nate Jones and $1 million in international slot money for two prospects, the club announced ahead of the 3 p.m. trade deadline Wednesday.
Texas will send the Chicago White Sox right-handed pitchers Joe Jarneski and Ray Castro in the deal that nets them the 33-year-old Jones.
Jones was placed on the 60-day IL earlier this season after undergoing season-ending right forearm surgery. He does, however, have a $5.15 million team option for 2020 and a $6 million team option in 2021.
Additionally, Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News reports that Chicago will pay some of Jones' remaining salary for 2019 ($1.25 million).
105.3 The Fan's Jared Sandler says this trade is more about the Rangers getting the international money needed to sign a prospect rather than the acquisition of Jones.
International slot money might be biggest get here for some strong Intl FA still out there.Jones is a 33-year old reliever with a career 3.12 ERA. He has a team option at$5.15m with a $1.25m buyout. https://t.co/GmBMwuna2P
— Jared Sandler (@JaredSandler) July 31, 2019Earlier this month, it was reported that Texas had agreed to a $4.2 million deal with outfielder Bayron Lora, the No. 3 ranked prospect on MLB Pipeline's Top 30 Prospects List. But before they could complete the signing, the Rangers needed to acquire around $1.5 million in international slot money. This trade helps them get closer to that figure.
The Rangers are hoping to get to about an additional $1.5m Intl money. Been linked to Bayron Lora
— Jared Sandler (@JaredSandler) July 31, 2019In his eight seasons in MLB, Jones has a 3.12 ERA in 291 1/3 innings pitched. Prior to going down this season, Jones had a 3.48 ERA in 13 appearances for Chicago.
