Five Bold Predictions for the Texas Rangers’ Lineup in 2014

4. Jurickson Profar is worth at least 3.0 WAR.

Sep 3, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Texas Rangers shortstop Jurickson Profar (13) hits a sacrifice bunt against the Oakland Athletics to advance two runners during the third inning at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

I will not predict that Profar can replace Kinsler offensively but Profar is a good defender and will improve offensively in 2014. A three WAR season would be solid, although not great, for Profar. Three WAR would be roughly what Elvis Andrus did last year (2.8 fWAR) and right in line with what many starters did for Texas last year. Leonys Martin provided 2.7 and Ian Kinsler was worth 2.5 in 2013. Profar’s slash line ( .234/.308/.336) was not particularly good in 2013. I expect that Profar will see significant progress in his offensive game. He will not get to a .300 average or .420 OBP this year but if he gets into the .270s and can raise his OBP into the .350 range then Profar will have a magnificent season. Those numbers would be similar to Kinsler’s 2013 season and the Texas Rangers will have won the Fielder for Kinsler trade.