Texas Rangers Claim Slugging Outfielder Peter O’Brien Off Waivers

It seems like a small move for the Rangers, but could pay off big time in the long-run. What can outfielder Peter O’Brien offer the Rangers organization?

On Friday, the Texas Rangers claimed 26-year-old outfielder Peter O’Brien off waivers from the Reds. He’s spent all of the 2017 season in the minors with both the Royals, Reds, and now the Rangers.

After claiming O’Brien the Rangers optioned him to Triple-A Round Rock. This season O’Brien is hitting .168 with four home runs and eight RBI in 32 games. That’s not a great stat line, so what is special about his kid?

While O’Brien strikeouts out often he also produces huge home run totals. He has tremendous power that is no joke, possibly one of the strongest hitters in the minor leagues. He smashed 24 home runs last season in Triple-A.

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In 2015, O’Brien hit 31 homers, and in ’14 he hit 39 bombs in the minors. He’s had small stints in the MLB where he is hitting a career .176 with six home runs and 12 RBI in 36 games, all with the Arizona Diamondbacks.

In 2012 the Yankees selected O’Brien in the 2nd round. He has continued to have this tremendous power hype, but hasn’t lived up to it yet. Sounds similar to another player on the Rangers currently, Joey Gallo.

Right now O’Brien is not as complete as Gallo was in the minors. He still needs to work on his swing, but is currently on the Rangers 40-man roster. There is a chance the Rangers could get a huge power bat and gave up nothing for him.