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

The Regulars

These players are the guys who are future starters for the Texas Rangers. They may not be elite or top tier, but they will hold down everyday spots on the team. As pitchers, these are mid rotation starters or guys that make regular appearances out of the bullpen.

Martin Perez, LHP (Age: 27)

Martin Perez is that player that just quite hasn’t panned out the way as hoped. Some injury struggles have slowed his development as well but he always seems to progress then take a step back. Despite this, he still is a valuable pitcher for the Rangers considering he’s only 27 years old. He’s never going be an ace but Texas will still use him regularly if he can get healthy.

Future Role: 3rd/4th Starter

Alex Claudio, LHP (Age: 26)

Alex Claudio is about as unorthodox as they come. A lefty out of the bullpen he’s made his way with lots of movement on his mid-80’s fastball and high 70’s offspeed. Even though those don’t look like Major League speeds, he’s made it work for him which is why he’s become one of the more consistent relievers Texas has.

Future Role: 7th Inning Reliever

Isiah Kiner-Falefa, INF/C (Age: 23)

As fun as it would be for IKF to turn into an All-Star player, it’s just no going to happen. We’ve seen about what his ceiling is going to be. However that’s still more than the Rangers could’ve asked for. A super utility player, Isiah could still serve in a unique position. Rather than a utility man who only plays every once in awhile, he could start regularly by slotting in at different positions as needed.

Future Role: Fringe Everyday Player

Delino DeShields, OF (Age: 25)

Delino has turned into a stellar defensive center fielder, there’s no doubt about it. He’s been able to translate his blazing speed into elite ranger. His biggest knock though is consistency at the plate. Texas has tried him as a leadoff guy but he seems to have found a role as the 9th batter in the order. If he finds more consistency at the plate, he can lockdown his role for the foreseeable future.

Future Role: Everyday CF

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