Coming in at number 29 are the Texas Rangers. Similar to the Pirates, they are in a full rebuild but currently, the Rangers have a slightly better MLB roster. I personally wouldn’t be surprised if I see them trade away some more pieces during the season.
Notable Additions: Khris Davis, Dane Dunning, David Dahl, Mike Foltynewicz
Notable Losses: Lance Lynn, Rafael Montero, Elvis Andrus
Current Top 5 Prospects: Josh Jung, Sam Huff, Dane Dunning, Leody Tavaras, Cole Winn.
The Rangers were just as bad as the Pirates last season. In their first season at the brand new Globe Life Field, they didn’t score many runs, scoring the least amount of the AL last season. As well as having a bad pitching staff besides the likes of Lance Lynn.
Fast forward to today and it’s not much better. They lost Lance Lynn and Elvis Andrus, competing in a division that will leave them in the dust, and players who were supposed to be good for them didn’t work out. It’s been disappointing for the Rangers but let’s try to take a look at some bright spots.
Sock’s 2 X Factors
1. Isiah Kiner-Fafela
Here is a player who has turned the corner and is on his way to become a Ranger’s cornerstone if he repeats his 2020 campaign. Kiner-Fafela made his debut in 2018 and was named the Texas Rangers rookie of the year after batting .261 with 4 home runs and 34 RBIs. Those numbers are not mind-blowing but, his claim to fame is defense, and proved it by winning the gold glove award at 3rd base this past season which isn’t his natural position. His natural position is shortstop which is part of the reason the Rangers shipped Elvis Andrus to the Athletics. Kiner-Fafela had a very impressive 9 FRAA this past season go along with his gold glove he earned third base. Heading into the 2021 campaign I expect the same caliber defense at shortstop he showed us in 2020 with some hitting to go along with it. Projected 2021 stats .278 12HR 50RBIs.
2. Joey Gallo
Gallo is the perfect right fielder in the MLB, with a great arm and great power. Gallo’s first full season came in 2017 where he launched 41 home runs and followed it up by hitting 40 home runs the next season. Last season was not a great year at the plate only hitting .181. He was able to hit 10 home runs with 26 RBIs in 57 games but still not ideal for a guy with his talent. However, he made up for it in the field winning a gold glove award and having an outstanding 12 FRAA. If he stays on the Rangers up until his free-agent eligibility, I expect big numbers for him. Projected 2021 stats. .230 35 HR 103RBIs
Prospects to look forward to
1. Dane Dunning
Dunning made his debut with the White Sox this past season before coming over to the Rangers in the Lance Lynn trade. He is a good pitching prospect for a team that is rebuilding. He still has his rookie status and had a solid start season putting up a 3.97 ERA in 7 career starts. Now he gets to be the main highlight of a Rangers rotation for the next 6 years of the Rangers rebuild.
2. Josh Jung
Jung is a very good hitter and proved it by batting .348 for his college career. To go along with that, he brings great defense that can easily turn elite by the time he reaches the majors. Already batting a respectable .287 in Single-A ball, I expect him to keep that same pace as he rises through the minors. With Kiner-Fafela moving to shortstop for the upcoming season, this leaves the hot corner open for Jung in the future.
My prediction for the Rangers is that they will finish last in the division with a 59-103 record. As for the future, I like some of their prospects but not enough of them right now to say they will be playoff contenders soon. If they play their cards right, I think we can see the Rangers back in the playoffs by the year 2025/2026.
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