Texas Rangers: Will Ronald Guzman Make An Impact in 2018?

The emergence of slugger Joey Gallo has given the Texas Rangers an everyday guy at first base. Could we see Gallo switching positions for youngster Ronald Guzman at some point in 2018?

Many of the young talented players in the Texas Rangers farm system aren’t expected to be ready in 2018. One player that should be ready to make his debut is 23-year-old Ronald Guzman. How long will it be before we see Guzman in the MLB?

Last season, Guzman hit .298 with 12 home runs and 62 RBI in 125 games in Triple-A Round Rock. He walked 47 times with just 85 strikeouts in over 520 plate appearances. His ability to get on base is something desperately needed in Arlington.

The Rangers currently have a man named Joey Gallo, who has locked down the first base role. The good news is that Gallo can play third base and left field as well. If Guzman does make the Rangers roster, there are ways to get him in the lineup.

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Veteran Adrian Beltre is under a one-year deal and 2018 is likely his last in Arlington. In 2019, Gallo can shift to third base and Guzman can take over at first full-time. Should the Rangers wait until 2019 to bring up Guzman?

No, Guzman has clearly shown he’s ready to make an impact in the Rangers lineup. Defensively he does need some work, but his bat can help in Arlington. The Rangers would have to shift some players around, but it’s possible to keep Guzman on the 25-man roster.

It does seem quite unnecessary for the Rangers to carry an extra guy on the roster that can only play first base. The Rangers could always move Shin-Soo Choo back into the outfielder and let Guzman play DH.

It’s hard to imagine without an injury or trade happening, that Guzman lands on the Opening Day roster. His bat is ready for the Majors, but the Rangers just don’t have a spot for him yet. He should make his debut at some point in 2018, but 2019 sounds like the year of Ronald Guzman.