Coming off a disappointing 2019 season, Texas Rangers shortstop Elvis Andrus will reportedly exercise his opt-in on the remainder of his contract with the Rangers.
According to MLB Network’s Jon Heyman, Andrus declined to use his opt-out clause and will now stay on for the remaining three-year deal with $42 million owed to him over the life of the contract.
It’s the decision many expected after the 31-year-old experienced another rough season. Andrus posted a .275/.313/.393 slash line with 12 home runs and 31 stolen bases this past season with the Rangers.
An All-Star shortstop in 2010 and ’12, Andrus signed an eight-year, $120 million extension with Texas in 2013. He would post consecutive seasons with an OPS below .700 in 2014 and ’15 before rebounding with 20 home runs and a .808 OPS in 2018.
While Andrus’ bat is declining with age, he remains a trusted defender at shortstop and has been a fixture in the team’s clubhouse for years. He’ll be owed $15 million next season followed by $14 million annually in ’21 and ’22.