Nolan Ryan Signs With Rangers

Houston Astros free agent pitcher Nolan Ryan, saying he was “a die-hard Texan,” today agreed to a one-year contract plus an option with the Texas Rangers.

Ryan, 41, baseball’s all-time strikeout leader, had been courted by Texas, California and San Francisco before family considerations led him to the Rangers. If he pitches both years, he would be paid about $3 million. The Rangers’ offer was not the highest, but Ryan said “it did not come down to a monetary decision.” The Angels had reportedly offered Ryan $1.8 million plus incentives for one season.