Texas Rangers Position Evaluation: Center Field

The Texas Rangers seem to have “their guy” figured out in center field.

In 2015, the Texas Rangers split time between Leonys Martin and Delino DeShields in center field. Martin excelled defensively at the position, while DeShields was clearly the better hitter. However, going into 2016, Leonys is no longer on the Rangers leaving Delino DeShields as the opening day starter.

Current Options:

Delino DeShields, in most people’s opinion, is the Texas Rangers’ center fielder for the foreseeable future. In 2015, he hit .261/.344/.374 and had an impressive 53 walks in 121 games. He showed himself to be a solid leadoff hitter, something the Rangers have struggled to find since the departure of Ian Kinsler. Where Delino still struggles is defensively. He’s still transitioning to the position from second base and the difficulty of that transition makes itself evident occasionally when tracking fly balls. Delino’s number one attribute though is his speed. In 2015, he had 25 steals, on pace for a 162 game avg. of 33 steals. He is known as one of the fastest player’s in baseball which is a trait that is invaluable at the center field position.

Currently listed second on Texas’ depth chart is newly acquired outfielder, Justin Ruggiano. Ruggiano came over from the Dodgers during the offseason and has shown himself to be a decent hitter and fielder. He is listed as a right fielder on the current roster but will find himself playing a little bit at all three outfield positions. He is the best backup option right now for Texas as he has center field experience and still has the range to play the position.

In the System:

Nomar Mazara is really the only minor league outfielder that may see time up with the big league club right now. He’s a corner outfielder with a good bat and speed. He hit .296 between Double-A and Triple-A in 2015 and shows promise in the years to come. Barring any injury problems however, Mazara is unlikely to see much time in center field.

Free Agents:

Currently, the Rangers have been linked to two center fielders still available on the market. Both Austin Jackson and Dexter Fowler have been of interest to Texas although mainly more to play left field. However both players are natural center fielders and therefore, their signing would mean probably becoming the backup center fielder when Delino needs a day off. Last season Jackson hit .267 in 2015 and Fowler hit .250. Both guys would be fantastic left fielders and be a top backup to DeShields in center.

Position Grade: B+

Going in to 2016, it’s fairly evident that Delino DeShields in the Rangers center fielder and he should maintain this spot given his young age and talent. The key for Texas is making sure they have the right guy in place at second on the depth chart to try and minimize the position drop-off when Delino isn’t playing.

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