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Rangers' Kiner-Falefa to replace Andrus at SS

Jayne Kamin-Oncea / Getty Images Sport / Getty

The Texas Rangers will field a new starting shortstop for the first time in over a decade when the 2021 season begins.

Gold Glove third baseman Isiah Kiner-Falefa will move to short and replace Elvis Andrus, general manager Jon Daniels announced Tuesday, according to Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News.

The move also opens up a spot at third next season for top prospect Josh Jung, Grant notes.

Andrus has spent his entire 12-year career with the Rangers. The two-time All-Star is still owed $28 million over the next two campaigns after signing an eight-year, $120-million extension with Texas that didn't kick in until 2015. He's posted just two seasons with an .800 OPS or better, but has recorded 1,743 hits and 305 stolen bases.

The team asked the 32-year-old to transition into a utility role next year, and he could see time at all four infield positions, Daniels said, according to Levi Weaver of The Athletic. Andrus has played only shortstop in the majors.

Meanwhile, the 25-year-old Kiner-Falefa is entering his fourth major-league season. He owns a career .670 OPS with eight homers in 234 games with the Rangers.

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