It was a busy Sunday morning for the Texas Rangers. They completed an unlikely trade with the Cleveland Indians where Texas landed long-time ace Corey Kluber in exchange for reliever Emmanuel Clase and outfielder Delino DeShields. The deal ends DeShields five-year tenure with the Texas Rangers that included 539 games and just fewer than 2000 plate appearances. The Rangers were the only team he’d play for in the big leagues since he made it to the show in 2015. Last Wednesday, December 11th, was the fifth anniversary that the Rangers drafted Delino DeShields Jr. from the Rule 5 Draft. Texas got him from the Houston Astros, who drafted Delino in the first round of the 2010 MLB draft.
Delino DeShields quickly became a fan favorite on and off the field. His speed became a sensation in the Rangers organization, including twenty or more stolen bases in four of his five years. Delino is known for a couple of home run robbing catches: one in 2018 at home against San Diego and the other last year in Anaheim. He always came to the ballpark with a smile on his face, despite not always feeling the best. He also arrived in the craziest of outfits, whether it was a bunny costume during Easter or an American flag-style blazer on the Fourth of July. You may even recall him taking a little youngster (dressed like a mini-Delino DeShields) to the Rangers dugout celebrating an exciting win on April 14th against the Oakland Athletics. The fans loved him, and his teammates respected his character and game day in and day out.
Here’s the outfit for proof pic.twitter.com/wmWMsgKiW1
— Alex Plinck (@aplinckTX) April 21, 2019
Is there a more patriotic dude than @LinoDeShields?#TogetherWe | #Happy4thofJuly pic.twitter.com/RP1ra5rrut
— FOX Sports Southwest (@FOXSportsSW) July 5, 2019
For DeShields his residence in northern Ohio means that he’ll see his father, Delino DeShields Sr, more since his dad is a first base coach for the Cincinnati Reds. The Reds and Indians meet four times in 2020 and meet between four to six times every season for the “Ohio Cup.” Also, Delino’s sister, Diamond DeShields, plays for the Chicago Sky in the WNBA, so the two siblings will be reunited more often with both in the Midwest.
While Delino won’t get the opportunity to break in Globe Life Field on March 23rd against St. Louis, he’ll hopefully still get a chance to get three games of work in. The Indians travel to Globe Life Field from June 12-14, and Rangers fans may again see DeShields during Spring Training as Cleveland’s facility resides in Goodyear, Arizona. A few Rangers players posted their goodbyes to Delino on Instagram and Twitter on Sunday.
One of the best teammates I’ve ever had! I’m going to miss you DD!😔 https://t.co/ceaG4A14L7
— Joey Gallo (@JoeyGallo24) December 15, 2019
For the Texas Rangers, center field right now goes to Danny Santana. However, other options that loom include Scott Heineman, Nick Solak, or Joey Gallo. The Rangers could still shop around for a center fielder, but other positions are in more desperate need (third base and catcher). It’s unclear if the Rangers finished splashing the free agent/trade market, but I wouldn’t be surprised if the Rangers, like us, are beginning their Christmas shopping right now. Good luck in Cleveland Delino DeShields.
— Delino DeShields (@LinoDeShields) December 15, 2019
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