Rangers signed 1B/OF Brad Hawpe to a minor league contract.
The deal includes a spring training invite. Hawpe, who underwent Tommy John surgery last August, batted .231/.301/.344 with four home runs, 19 RBI and a .645 over 216 plate appearances with the Padres in 2011. The 32-year-old will provide some insurance at first base in case Mitch Moreland has any setbacks from right wrist surgery. Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports that Hawpe would make $1 million plus bonuses if he makes the Opening Day roster.