Texas Rangers: Handing Out the Mid-Season Awards

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

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

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

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

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