Texas Rangers: Handing Out the Mid-Season Awards

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)
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) /
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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)
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