Texas Rangers End of Season Awards

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ARLINGTON, TX – MAY 25: Isiah Kiner-Falefa #9 of the Texas Rangers in the first inning throws out the runner on first base against the Kansas City Royals at Globe Life Park in Arlington on May 25, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Rick Yeatts/Getty Images) /

Rookie of the Year: Isiah Kiner-Falefa

The ROY goes to IKF.

Kiner-Falefa came out of no where in 2018. He was promoted to the big league club in April as a temporary fill-in for the Rangers’ injured middle infielders. It didn’t take long for the organization to notice his impact, as the “temporary fill-in” started to earn more and more starts. Kiner-Falefa’s play was so impressive that manager Jeff Banister found ways to play him even when Rougned Odor and Elvis Andrus returned from injury.

In the end, Kiner-Falefa played in 110 games, including 93 starts. He started 38 games at third base, 19 games at second base, 2 games at shortstop, and 34 games at catcher. He proved to be the team’s most versatile player, and that’s saying a lot when Jurickson Profar is also on the team. Profar seemed to play everywhere, but it’s tough to compete with a player who can play anywhere in the infield, plus CATCHER.

IKF was consistent all season long, finishing with a .261 batting average and a .326 OBP. His consistency, selflessness, versatility and talent should transfer to a prominent major league role in 2019. Don’t be surprised if he’s starting behind the play on opening day of next season.

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