Texas Ranger Could Get Rich Harden

The Texas Rangers are closing in on a deal with right-handed pitcher Rich Harden, sources told ESPN The Magazine’s Buster Olney on Wednesday.

Harden will receive between $7 million and $8 million for one year, pending a physical, a league source told ESPNChicago.com’s Bruce Levine Wednesday evening.

To create financial flexibility that could make signing Harden easier, the Rangers are on the verge of trading starter Kevin Millwood to the Orioles for reliever Chris Ray, ESPNDallas.com reported.

Harden was 9-9 with a 4.09 ERA in 26 games for the Cubs in 2009. The Cubs did not offer Harden salary arbitration, making him a free agent. Harden made $7 million last season in Chicago.

Harden, who would pitching for his third major league team, has a 50-29 record with a 3.39 ERA in 127 starts.