Texas Rangers: What To Expect From Ryan Rua in 2017

Spring Training is just around the corner. The Texas Rangers organization have plenty of talents on their roster that will be competing for a roster spot. Ryan Rua is one of them. Last year, he made the Opening Day roster. There’s no doubt that this year he can do it again.

Rua, 26, appeared in a career-high 99 games last season. He finished with 62 hits, 22 RBIs, eight homers, and a .258 batting average. On Opening Day, he was a bench player, but soon found himself positioned in left field after Delino DeShields was sent back to AAA Round Rock. Unfortunately, at the end of May, Rua lost his job to Nomar Mazara.

Rumor has it that Mike Napoli may be returning to the Rangers. According to Sports Day’s Evan Grant, Napoli may sign with Texas anytime between now and February 14th. Napoli is seeking a two-year deal while the Rangers are wanting to give him a one-year deal. Things have been quiet on both sides lately though talks from both sides have not ended.

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This season Rua is looking to be the team’s starting first baseman. At the moment, the Rangers don’t have a primary first baseman. Rua is projected to win the job. He could compete with Jurickson Profar, but it’s unknown what position Jeff Banister wants Profar to play. However, if Napoli ends up signing with Texas, Napoli is likely to win the job, but that should not stop Rua from training and working hard this Spring Training. Regardless of who he’s competing with, Rua needs to be ready for anything.

If Rua makes the Opening Day roster as the backup first baseman to Napoli, Rua has nothing to be ashamed of. His role is just as important as before. Napoli won’t always be on the field and when he isn’t, that’s when Rua gets his chance to shine. In any case, Rua needs to give it his all this training. If he wants to stay in Arlington, he needs to prove to the organization that he’s needed.

There’s no doubt Rua can make the roster again this year. Since he did it last year, he knows what it takes to make it. I expect Rua to be in for a good Spring Training this year. I expect him to be part of the roster on Opening Day and for him to have a decent season.