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Texas Rangers Prospect Countdown: #4 Ronald Guzman

By Andrew Webb |

Right now the Texas Rangers have one of the best options at first base in the minors with Ronald Guzman. Making it to Triple-A in 2016, could Guzman get a call-up to the Majors in 2017?

In 2011 the Texas Rangers signed Ronald Guzman for $3.45 million. Guzman started his minor league career at the age of 17. Now Guzman is 22-years-old and knocking on the door of the Major Leagues.

In 2016 Guzman hit .274/.333/.449 with 16 homers and 67 RBI in 127 games. He spent a majority of the season in Double-A, but also played 25 games in Triple-A. Guzman experienced some offensive struggles in Triple-A and will likely head back there in the beginning of 2017.

Guzman is known for his raw power, but still needs to work on his plate discipline. Drawing just 39 walks in 2016 and struck out 105 times. That rate will need to change if Guzman wants to be a successful everyday first baseman.

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His defense needs work too as Guzman committed 12 errors at first base last season. Guzman has the hitting ability to be a good MLB hitter, but still needs work in certain areas. His power is legitimate and that is what is going to carry him into the Major Leagues.

Right now Guzman is ranked seventh on the top 10 prospects list at first base on according to MLB.com. Guzman is on the Rangers 40-man roster and does have an invite to Spring Training. It is unlikely that he makes the team out of camp though.

Guzman still has areas that need major improvement and should start the season in the minors. If Guzman can improve his strikeout rate and his defense don’t expect the Rangers to keep him in the minors long.

The Rangers added Guzman to the 40-man roster for a reason and they want to give Guzman an opportunity to play at the Major League level. Expect Guzman to be playing for the Rangers at some point during the 2017 season.

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