All-Star OF Desmond turns down qualifying offer from Rangers

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) All-Star outfielder Ian Desmond has turned down a $17.2 million qualifying offer from the Texas Rangers. The Rangers announced Monday

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) All-Star outfielder Ian Desmond has turned down a $17.2 million qualifying offer from the Texas Rangers.

The Rangers announced Monday that Desmond had turned down the qualifying offer. The free agent can still negotiate with the AL West champions.

If Desmond signs with another club before the amateur draft next June, the Rangers would receive a draft pick as compensation at the end of the first round.

Desmond last winter turned down a $15.8 qualifying offer from the Washington Nationals, the team for which he was a shortstop the previous seven seasons. Desmond signed an $8 million, one-year deal with Texas during spring training and converted to the outfield.

Desmond hit .285 with 22 homers and 86 RBIs in 156 games for Texas.