July 2013 - Texas Rangers Wiretap

The Pittsburgh Pirates have acquired Chris McGuiness from the Texas Rangers in exchange for Miles Mikolas.

Texas also designated outfielder Rafael Ortega for assignment.

Nelson Cruz remains unsigned in part because teams are turned off by his asking price.

Cruz is looking for a four-year deal worth about $75 million.

Jhonny Peralta, another player suspended for performance-enhancing drugs in 2013, didn't see his value decrease this offseason.

"The feeling is Peralta is more of a pure hitter than a power hitter, and less risky," said a National League general manager. "Cruz hits for more power. Someone will sign him and take the chance, but Melky Cabrera is always in the back of your mind."

The Texas Rangers expect Nelson Cruz to sign with another team.

Jon Daniels said as much during the introductory press conference for Shin-Soo Choo on Friday afternoon.

Daniels said he called Cruz personally to express his thanks.

Cruz hit .268/.327/.495 with 157 home runs in 3175 plate appearances as a member of the club.

Shin-Soo Choo has passed his physical and will be introduced by the Texas Rangers on Friday afternoon at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington.

Choo's deal with Texas is worth $130 million over seven years, according to sources. The contract does not include an opt-out clause but does have limited no-trade language, according to reports.

The Rangers will forfeit their 2014 first-round draft pick by signing Choo.

Masahiro Tanaka will be pitching in the Major Leagues this coming season and some believe the Texas Rangers could make a play for his services.

Texas will be considered long shots, but can't be counted out.

"Club officials had indicated earlier they intended to pursue Tanaka if he was posted. Even with a $130 million obligation to Shin-Soo Choo pending a physical, the Rangers have nothing to lose by talking to Tanaka," writes Evan Grant.

Leonys Martin accomplished his goal of playing major league baseball in 2011 when he signed with the Rangers, but not before what court documents and the U.S. Justice Department describe as a harrowing ordeal in which he was held for ransom in Mexico while his family members were kept under surveillance in South Florida.

Three people have been indicted in Miami on federal charges of hostage-taking and extortion conspiracy, counts that carry potential life prison sentences if they are convicted, and Martin himself is suing his alleged kidnappers for the return of more than $1.3M he has already paid them.

Free-agent outfielder Shin-Soo Choo has reached agreement on a seven-year, $130M deal with the Rangers, two baseball sources confirmed to ESPN.com.

Choo was one of the top leadoff hitters in the majors for the Reds in 2013 with a .423 on-base percentage, a .285 batting average, 21 homers, 54 RBIs, 20 steals and 107 runs scored.

The Pittsburgh Pirates have interest in acquiring Ike Davis and Mitch Moreland via trade.

The Minnesota Twins are no longer interested in Matt Garza, but the market for the right-hander remains strong.

Garza had a strong 2013 season, brings a history of success in the difficult American League East and the team that signs him won't have to forfeit a draft pick as compensation.

The Texas Rangers surprisingly drafted Russell Wilson in baseball's Rule 5 draft on Thursday morning.

Texas selected the former second baseman, taking him from the Colorado Rockies system. The selection cost them $12,000.

Wilson is the starting quarterback for the Seattle Seahawks, but the Rangers value his character.