The Rangers are close to finalizing a minor league deal for infielder Will Middlebrooks, a Greenville native and Texarkana Liberty-Eylau High School graduate, major league sources said Friday.
Middlebrooks, 28, was once considered one of the top prospects in baseball, but has struggled to meet expectations. He appeared in just 10 games for Milwaukee in 2016, hitting just .111 in 27 at-bats. He came up primarily as a third baseman, but has played all infield spots. He could be a depth option for the Rangers at first base and could be a potential utility player, particularly if the club ends up trading Jurickson Profar for a pitcher or center fielder.