Michael Lorenzen Free Agency Update: Rangers add All-Star pitcher on a reported $4,500,000 contract amid Yankees interest

Reigning World Series winners Texas Rangers have added depth to their rotation with the reported acquisition of free agent pitcher Michael Lorenzen on Wednesday.

Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic was the first to break the news, reporting that the former Cincinnati Reds pitcher has signed a one-year, $4.5M contract with the Rangers.

"Free-agent right-hander Michael Lorenzen in agreement with Rangers on one-year, $4.5M contract, pending physical. Deal includes $2.5M in incentives, maxes out at $7M."

The All-Star pitcher was also linked with a move to the Bronx after the New York Yankees were hit by an injury to Cy Young winner Gerrit Cole earlier this month. However, he has agreed a contract with the Rangers, who have been relatively quiet during the offseason.

The 32-year-old's last season was shared with stints for the Detroit Tigers and the Philadelphia Phillies. While his base contract value is $4.5 million, it could increase up to $7 million after incentives.

Rangers settle for Michael Lorenzen despite previous reports of a reunion with Jordan Montgomery

The Rangers were initially linked with a reunion with veteran pitcher Jordan Montgomery who helped the team to their first-ever World Series title last year with assured presence from the mound during the postseason.

The singing of Lorenzen comes as a bit of a surprise as Rangers general manager Chris Young had seemingly hinted that the defending World Series champions won't be adding any arm to the rotation.

“The group we have is the group we have,” Young said. “I said this three weeks ago. Nothing has changed. This is a very similar group to the one we had in the rotation when we took off. So, I’m very optimistic. I believe in the group and I think you should, too.”

Lorenzen's departure to Texas might urge the Yankees to go all out on Jordan Montgomery as the team continues to sweat on the availability of Gerrit Cole for the early part of the fast-approaching 2024 season.