Rich Harden Passes Physical, Officially Joins Texas Rangers

Rich Harden has passed his physical and is now a Texas Ranger:

Harden will receive a $6.5 million base salary for 2010 with the ability to earn up to $2.5 million in incentives. He would max out the incentive clauses at 195 innings (which would be a career high for him). The option for 2011 is mutual and worth $11 million. If either side declines the option, Harden would get a $1 million severance. It means the minimum he could earn in 2010 is $7.5, the maximum is $10 million and the max for the contract is $20 million.

Harden’s arm seems to be healthy as the Rangers will rely on him to compete in the American League West next season.

According to MLB.com, the Harden deal will be official once Harden passes a physical. Which, with Harden’s injury history, could prove to be a stumbling block:

Harden also has a long history of physical issues that would require a physical before his deal is complete. He missed three weeks this past season with a strained lower back, he was on the disabled list three times in 2007-08 with a strained right shoulder and twice in ’06 because strained back and sprained elbow.

If the Harden signing does fall through, the Rangers have shown interest in another injury-prone pitcher with a lot of potential: Ben Sheets. The Rangers could still be pursuing Sheets even if Harden is signed.

Follow SB Nation's Lone Star Ball for analysis if (when?) this deal goes through.