Texas Rangers: Could Drew Robinson Be An Everyday Player?

Next year the Texas Rangers could have a starting job available in center field. Outfielder Carlos Gomez is likely heading towards free agency this winter. Does Drew Robinson have a shot at the starting center field job in 2018?

It’s been a small sample size for outfielder Drew Robinson, but he’s impressed the Texas Rangers. He has the skill set to be an everyday player, but could it be as early as next season? The Rangers could have an opening next season, but is Robinson a candidate to take over the job?

This season Robinson is hitting .194 with three home runs and six RBI in 18 games. He has ten walks with just 12 strikeouts in 46 plate appearances. The stats don’t scream starting outfielder, but he needs more playing time.

Two huge positives to Robinson’s game are his versatility and his plate discipline. Robinson can play infield and outfield which gives the team an opportunity to get him in the lineup more often. Manager Jeff Banister can give infielders a day off and shift Robinson over there no problem. It is great to have a player like Robinson on your roster.

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Having an ability to draw walks is huge, and is lacking on this current roster. Many of the current Ranger hitters are home run or nothing type players. They have huge strikeout rates and don’t walk much.

A player like Robinson can bat ahead of the power hitters and work a walk or at least make the pitcher throw more than three pitches. The Rangers are stacked with power hitters, but adding some players that can draw walks and work counts isn’t a bad idea.

It’s hard to expect Robinson to walk into Spring Training next season and be the starting outfielder. If the Rangers don’t re-sign Carlos Gomez then Robinson should be in the discussion for the center field job. Wait and see how Robinson progresses and does the rest of 2017, but he does have a legit shot come 2018.