Texas Rangers relief pitcher Frank Francisco is likely going to accept the Rangers offer for arbitration, taking him off of the free agent market and ensuring he will be a member of the 2011 Rangers bullpen according to T.R. Sullivan.
Francisco, who is a Type A free agent, was sidelined from August 27th till the end of the season with an injury to his ribcage. Francisco appeared in 56 games for the American League Champion Rangers, pitching 52.2 innings, allowing 48 hits and walking 18 batters while striking out 60. Francisco began the season as the Rangers closer before struggling and losing the job to eventual American League Rookie of the Year Neftali Feliz.
Had Francisco declined arbitration and become a free agent, he would have been free to sign with any team. Since he's a Type A free agent, the Rangers would have received two draft picks if he left Texas. Instead, he accepted and will be back with the Rangers in 2011.