DALLAS (105.3 The Fan) - The Texas Rangers have avoided going to salary arbitration for the 20th straight year, as they have agreed to one-year deals with slugger Joey Gallo and Isiah Kiner-Falefa, according to multiple reports.
Gallo will earn $6.2 million in 2021, while Kiner-Falefa will earn $2 million, Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News confirmed.
Gallo is eligible for arbitration in 2022 and will become a free agent after that season is completed. Despite the 2020 Gold Glove winner being mentioned in several trade rumors recently, his commitment to wanting to be in Texas remains intact.
"For me, when you get drafted somewhere you always envision yourself being there forever. And that's kind of how I always felt with the Rangers," Gallo said last week on the Rangers Hot Stove Show on 105.3 The Fan. "I love being here, I love being a Texas Ranger. Winning or losing, I'm proud to put Texas on my chest every single day I go out there. But, it's a business, and I kind of figured that out in the early part of my career when all of my best friends got traded. ... You just have to understand that, especially in times where we're going younger. I have two years left on my deal, essentially, it's a possibility that your name's going to get thrown out there. You just got to keep doing what you're doing and working hard. As long as I'm here in Texas, I'm going to try and win as many games as I can and help these young guys. Hopefully, I don't (get traded). But like I said, this is a business and we'll see what happens."
Kiner-Falefa, who also won a Gold Glove award as a third baseman this past season, will be the club's starting shortstop in 2021. He's eligible for arbitration over the next two seasons and will become a free agent following the 2023 season.