Ex-Redbird Cotts signs with Texas Rangers

Former Redbird Neal Cotts pitched for the Chicago Cubs in 2009. (Photo by Chris McGrath/Getty Images)

Former Illinois State left-handed pitcher and member of the 2005 World Series Champion Chicago White Sox Neal Cotts agreed to a Minor League contract with the Texas Rangers Monday.

Cotts, 31, has not pitched in the Major Leagues since he played for the Chicago Cubs in 2009. Since then, he underwent Tommy John surgery and has recently battled hip issues. Cotts has pitched in 284 Major League games for the White Sox and Cubs. He is 10-12 with a 4.63 ERA through 279 relief appearances and five starts.

During the 2005 season with the White Sox, Cotts went 4-0 with a 1.94 ERA in 69 games. He did not allow a run during four postseason appearances to help the White Sox win the World Series. Cotts earned the victory in game two of the World Series against the Houston Astros.

The Lebanon, Ill., native was dominant as a pitcher at Illinois State from 1999-2001. During that time, Cotts went 18-9 with a 3.58 ERA and recorded 263 strikeouts. As a junior in 2001, Cotts was 8-3 with a 2.89 ERA and 113 strikeouts. He was a First-Team All-Missouri Valley Conference honoree after earning an honorable mention selection as a sophomore in 2000.