Texas Rangers: Handing Out the Mid-Season Awards

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HOUSTON, TX – APRIL 14: Isiah Kiner-Falefa #9 of the Texas Rangers congratulates Shin-Soo Choo #17 after defeating the Houston Astros 6-5 in the tenth inning at Minute Maid Park on April 14, 2018 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /

Even though we’re a bit past the halfway point, the All-Star Break means it’s time for the Texas Rangers first half awards.

The Texas Rangers are 97 games into the season which, yes we know, is a bit past the season halfway point. But the All-Star break really marks the end of the first half and means we can evaluate the Rangers players on their performances and hand out their awards. We’ll be handing out Best Offseason Acquisition, Most Improved, Breakout Player, Top Pitcher and MVP. For each award we’ll also include a runner-up and honorable mention.

Next: Best Offseason Acquisition

MINNEAPOLIS, MN – JUNE 22: Mike Minor #36 of the Texas Rangers delivers a pitch against the Minnesota Twins during the second inning of the game on June 22, 2018 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

Best Offseason Acquisition: Mike Minor

Mike Minor was the pickup of the winter for the Texas Rangers this past year. The 30-year old lefty was left looking for a squad after becoming a free agent from the Kansas City Royals. Looking for a chance to get back into the starting rotation, Minor says that Texas was one of the few clubs willing to give him that opportunity.

The Rangers inked Minor to a 3 year/$28 million deal that was low risk and high reward. Minor has not set the world on fire this season but his stats have gotten markedly better of late and he’s avoided injury. Through 18 starts, he’s 6-6 with a 4.89 ERA and 99.1 innings pitched. Impressive for a pitcher who is coming off major injuries and has thrown just 77 innings since 2014.

This contract could continue to look more and more like a steal if Minor continues to improve throughout the second half. He can solidify himself as a middle rotation starter in Arlington for the next two seasons which is as good as the Rangers could’ve hoped.

Runner-Up: Jesse Chavez

Honorable Mention: Bartolo Colon

Next: Most Improved

ARLINGTON, TX – JULY 04: Jurickson Profar #19 of the Texas Rangers scores a run against the Houston Astros at Globe Life Park in Arlington on July 4, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

Most Improved: Jurickson Profar

Jurickson Profar has finally gotten his shot to be an everyday player for the Texas Rangers this year and the benefits are quite visible. Profar, who posted a .172 average in 2017 in just 22 games. He’s only 5 games played from his career high in a single season and statistically is having his best year yet. Hitting .243 may not be that eye popping up front, but combine it with his .326 on-base percentage and we’re at least seeing flashes of what he was once thought to be.

It’s unclear what role Profar would have for the Rangers moving forward. He’s made it clear he wants to play shortstop but he hasn’t overly impressed defensively in his time at the position. He does bring the luxury of being a super-utility player but Texas will have to carve out a spot for him if they want him to continue developing.

Runner-Up: Shin-Soo Choo

Honorable Mention: Nomar Mazara

Next: Breakout Player

ARLINGTON, TX – MAY 24: Isiah Kiner-Falefa #9 of the Texas Rangers bare hands an infield hit in the second inning throwing out the runner on first base against the Kansas City Royals at Globe Life Park in Arlington on May 24, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Rick Yeatts/Getty Images) /

Breakout Player: Isiah Kiner-Falefa

This is probably the least surprising winner because almost nobody knew who he was when the Rangers promoted him back in April. Since his call-up though, he’s been talked about as one of the top talents in the Rangers system. He’s played so well, many fans have called for him to replace any number of current starters.

Kiner-Falefa wasn’t a highly regarded prospect in the Rangers organization when he was asked to fill in for an injury decimated team. But when he got to Arlington, he showed what long-term, patient development can do for a player. IKF has been one of the top hitters in Texas’ order this season hitting .251 through 68 games. He may very well find himself as the future catcher for the Texas Rangers if he can shore up his defense but regardless, he’ll find playing time in Texas for as long as he’s here.

Runner-Up: Jose Leclerc

Honorable Mention: Ronald Guzman

Next: Top Pitcher

TORONTO, ON – APRIL 28: Keone Kela #50 of the Texas Rangers celebrates their victory with Robinson Chirinos #61 during MLB game action against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre on April 28, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) /

Top Pitcher: Keone Kela

Not another shock here either. Keone Kela could make his case for Breakout Player. Or Most Improved. But he’s outperformed even those awards. Kela has taken over the closer role for the Texas Rangers and been one of the best in baseball. He’s now 23 for 23 on save opportunities this season. In his save opportunities in 2018, he’s posted an insane 0.84 ERA. Tack on 40 strikeouts in just 33 innings and it’s no question he’s been the best pitcher Texas has this year.

Kela’s name has been mentioned as one being on the move in a potential trade. He’s young, controllable and talented. And with the numbers he’s putting up, he no doubt could draw the biggest return on the trade market this summer.

Runner-Up: Jake Diekman

Honorable Mention: Jose Leclerc

Next: MVP

DETROIT, MI – JULY 06: Shin-Soo Choo #17 of the Texas Rangers celebrates his first inning home run with third base coach third base coach Tony Beasley while playing the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park on July 6, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

MVP: Shin-Soo Choo

Shin-Soo Choo is having a season for the ages. Currently in the midst of a 51-game on-base streak, his average is nearing .300 at the break which is why he was named the Rangers lone All-Star this season, a career first. Demonstrating his ability as a consummate leadoff hitter, he has an on-base percentage over .400 and a slugging percentage over .500. He is having one of the top years of his 14-year career and shows no signs of slowing down.

In a Rangers season marred by disappointment, Choo and his streak have been one of the few positives to glean from a tough first half. Much like Kela, he himself may be on the move this summer especially with the numbers he’s putting up at the plate. There really is no question that he is the Most Valuable Player for the Rangers halfway through the year.

Runner-Up: Nomar Mazara

Honorable Mention: Keone Kela

Next: How the Shift is Killing Nomar Mazara and Joey Gallo

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