Span, who turns 37 this month, hasn't played in the majors since 2018 and announced his retirement last summer. He's a Tampa native and spent part of the 2018 season with the Rays, so the match makes sense as he transitions into this next phase.

Span is now 35 years old, but he can still help a team. He's managed an above-average batting line in four of the past five seasons and hit a solid .261/.341/.419 for the Rays and Mariners last season. He could help fantasy owners in deep leagues with a respectable batting average, and he's not a total zero in either speed or power, though he hasn't had more than 12 homers or steals in any of the last four seasons. At this point in the offseason, it's hard to see him signing somewhere in a starting role.

The Mariners opted to pony up for the $4 million buyout instead, sending Span into the free agent market. The 34-year-old slashed .272/.329/.435 with seven home runs in 94 games after being traded to Seattle from Tampa Bay, mostly serving in a platoon role in left field. The veteran outfielder shouldn't garner much long-term interest but is likely to find a home somewhere, even if on a minor-league deal.

Span will get the night off with Wade LeBlanc slated to take the hill for the visiting Rangers. Cameron Maybin draws the start in left field and will bat eighth.