Texas Rangers: 3 Players That Could Get Even Better in 2018

One of the biggest surprises this season has been the emergence of Delino DeShields. The 24-year-old outfielder was coming off a horrendous 2016 campaign and the Rangers had fairly low expectations for him.

He’s exceeded those expectations and then some this season. Through 80 games DeShields is hitting .275 with three home runs and 14 RBI with 20 stolen bases. He’s currently posting a 1.8 WAR and this could be just the beginning for the young outfielder.

The Rangers took DeShields in 2014 during the Rule-5 draft from the Astros. The former 1st round pick from 2010 took off his rookie campaign. DeShields finished the season batting .261 with two home runs and 37 RBI with 25 stolen bases in 121 games.

It’s clear the Rangers like what they see from DeShields and he could be the everyday guy in center next season. Outfielder Carlos Gomez will likely head into free agency this winter. The Rangers will be hesitant to go hard after Gomez with the emergence of DeShields.

The Rangers have DeShields under control until 2022 at a low-cost. Not much of a point to chase after Gomez with the production the organization has seen from DeShields. Could the young outfielder get even better in 2018?

Yes, and the Rangers could be potentially looking at the next “Carlos Gomez”. In 2012 Gomez developed some power to his game, but before that he was a similar player to DeShields. The Rangers could be looking at the next leadoff man in Arlington for years to come.