Texas Rangers 2017 Positional Breakdown: Left Field

Leody Taveras

The Rangers 3rd-best prospect heading into 2017, Leody Taveras is only 18-years-old. While he’s at least three-years away, his development is something to keep an eye on in 2017.

Taveras made his pro debut in 2016 at the age of 17. The switch-hitters best trait is his 60-grade speed. He successfully stole 18 bases in 26 attempts a season ago.

If he can increase his walk rate he has top of the order potential. Only hitting one-home-run in 73-games and slugging .366 over the season, Taveras might not be a huge power threat in the future. However, his ability to make contact and his elite speed makes him a promising talent.

Taveras spent most of 2016 in center field. With other speedster Eric Jenkins also in the system, center field could be crowded in the future. Jenkins figures to be a better defensive center fielder despite having the weaker arm. We could see Taveras getting more time in left field in the near future.