DALLAS -- The Rangers announced Tuesday they have signed right-handed reliever Tony Barnette, a star closer in Japan last season, in a move that adds depth to their already strong bullpen.
The Rangers signed Barnette to a two-year deal worth a guaranteed $3.5 million with an option for 2018. He'll make $1.5 million in '16, $1.75 million in '17 and has a $250,000 buyout for '18.
Barnette has never pitched in the Major Leagues but had 97 saves over six seasons in Japan. He led the league with 41 saves and had a 1.29 ERA in 59 appearances for the Tokyo Yakult Swallows in 2015.