Texas Rangers: Ranking Top Young Players by Long-Term Potential

There’s no doubt that the Texas Rangers have young talent. But what is the potential of each of those youngsters?

As trade season approaches and the Texas Rangers engage in their much needed rebuild, we’ll take a look at the assets they already have. For this ranking, we’re looking at the top players in the Rangers system under the aged 27 or younger. There’s no distinct requirements for the list but essentially it’s those on the active roster as well as a few additions. We’ll categorize the players by potential and give our long-term role for them . Here we go…

The Depth Players

These are the guys that will fill service roles for the club over the next few years. Whether it be to rest position players, or those long relievers who get action when the bullpen is low.

Carlos Tocci, OF (Age: 22)

Carlos Tocci was an offseason addition for the Texas Rangers who made his MLB debut this season. A young outfielder who has struggled at the plate this year, the Rangers hope he can develop as a hitter with some more time in the minors.

Future Role: 4th Outfielder

Drew Robinson, OF (Age: 26)

Drew Robinson has been a name that Rangers fans surely are familiar with by now. An outfielder that Texas has utilized in a number of different roles, Robinson has shown his flexibility which is perhaps his best asset. He has the ability to play anywhere in the outfield as well as along with the infield. He holds some value for the Rangers because they can plug and play him in various spots.

Future Role: 5th Outfielder/6th Infielder

Hanser Alberto, INF (Age: 25)

Hanser Alberto has served off and on as the Rangers utility man for a couple of years now. Once hoped to be a future starter in the infield, the potential for Alberto has shifted a bit. Never really breaking out, Hanser now projects as essentially the backup utility man on the active roster and really just garnering playing time when injuries hit.

Future Role: 6th Infielder

The Recurring Cast

These are the guys that will play a role in the immediate depth of the Texas Rangers. Whether that be the first guy on the bench, consistent bullpen pitchers or back end of the rotation starters.

Jose Trevino, C (Age: 25)

Whilst the story surrounding Trevino’s debut was a blast to experience, Trevino won’t probably see himself as a starting catcher in the MLB. Despite some initial hopes that he could be a long-term replacement for Chirinos, I find it hard to believe the Rangers will put him in the starting role. He is stellar defensively but doesn’t offer much at the plate.

Future Role: Backup Catcher

Yohander Mendez, LHP (Age: 23)

Yohander Mendez struggled in his first MLB start and then found himself sent to the Minors as punishment for violating team rules. Now he’s all the way down in Single-A as part of a reset program to get him on the right track. Despite all the negativity recently, he still has some potential as pitcher in the Rangers organization with some development.

Future Role: 4th/5th Starter

Ricardo Rodriguez, RHP (Age: 25)

Ricardo Rodriguez is the newest addition the the Rangers active roster and is currently providing some bullpen depth due to injuries. He could though find himself as a long-term option as a reliever with some good showings.

Future Role: Bullpen Depth

Cornerstone Players

These are the players that will be the cornerstones of the starting lineup for the future. While they aren’t necessarily All-Stars, their roles aren’t in doubt and the Rangers can kind of build around them.

Ronald Guzman, 1B (Age: 23)

Ronald Guzman kind of came out of nowhere this season with all the injuries the Rangers have faced. He kind of took over first base which allowed Joey Gallo to continue to transition into the outfield. Defensively he has potential that is through the roof. Hopefully he can show a bit more discipline at the plate and become a top tier player for the Rangers.

Future Role: Top-End Starting 1B

Joey Gallo, 1B/OF (Age: 24)

Much the center of debate, the projections for Joey Gallo vary greatly. However his pure power at the plate means that the Rangers won’t be moving on from him anytime soon. If he can get his average up, he can reach the potential of the fearsome hitter he was once thought to be. Without much evidence he’ll hit those goals though, he still is a cornerstone for the Texas Rangers.

Future Role: Starting LF

Jurickson Profar, INF/OF (Age: 25)

Once the best prospect in baseball, the ceiling for Jurickson Profar has fallen drastically. Whether you blame the Rangers development of him or not, he’s no longer thought to be the future elite player he once was. However he still has the ability to be a regular and a fan favorite. Lauded for his versatility defensively, he provides Texas with a lot of flexibility. At the plate he’s also a switch hitter which is just a manager’s dream. I happen to think he has the ability to be a starting shortstop unlike many however he could play a plethora of positions.

Future Role: Starting SS

All-Star Caliber

Pretty self explanatory. These guys have the ability to be the one of the best at there position at some point in their career.

Keone Kela, RHP (Age: 25)

Even though he may be on the trade block, he’s still by far the best reliever in the Rangers organization. He’s firmly grabbed hold of the closer role and run with it. A high 90’s fastball paired with a sharp breaking ball, his demeanor matches what’s needed to be one of the best closers in baseball.

Future Role: Elite Closer

Jose Leclerc, RHP (Age: 24)

I continue to be part of the Leclerc fan club. A hard throwing righty, he’s shown poise in late inning situations at a very young age. Assuming he only gets better, I wouldn’t be shocked if he becomes the Rangers closer at some point down the line. The sky really is the limit for Leclerc and at some point, I believe he could crack an All-Star roster.

Future Role: All-Star Reliever

Rougned Odor, 2B (Age: 24)

This will definitely be my most controversial projection. I stand by Rougie though. Despite a poor year in 2017 and bad start to 2018, he’s still a player who was hitting nearly .270 as a 22-year old everyday starter. I fully believe he can regain that form and continue to grow. He’s improved immensely as a defensive second baseman and I believe can merge his power at the plate with better discipline.

Future Role: All-Star 2B

Willie Calhoun, LF/DH (Age: 23)

Willie “June” Calhoun is the player Rangers fans are waiting for. Considered a top tier prospect, he’s thought to have the makings of an elite big league hitter. Still in Triple-A working on his defense, when Calhoun makes the jump to the majors, expectations will be high and so will results.

Future Role: All-Star DH

MVP Talent

Well there’s really only one player that fits this category but I fully believe he has the talent. The category doesn’t take much explanation. This guy could be a future MVP.

Nomar Mazara, OF (Age: 23)

Nomar Mazara has cemented himself as arguably the most consistent hitter in the Rangers order. He also has shown his cannon of an arm from right field. Pair that with the fact that he’s only 23 years old and let your imagination run wild. As he continues to develop as a player, he has the makings of what could be a best in the league player.

Future Role: MVP-caliber OF