Texas Rangers: Beltre’s gone, now who takes over his roles on the team?

The Texas Rangers new clean up hitter is….

Not sure yet, but that’s not a decision that needs to be made anytime soon. Texas used a number of clean up hitters last season. While it’s a spot in the lineup that thrives on consistency, it’s unrealistic to expect the same player to hold the spot from opening day on.

More from Texas Rangers News

• Early 2023 MLB mock draft has Texas Rangers selecting an Ohtani-lite
• 3 Texas Rangers outfield trade targets not named Bryan Reynolds
• Did Jacob deGrom really mean what he said at his Texas Rangers press conference?
• Martin Perez accepting the qualifying offer looking like solid deal for the Rangers
• 4 outfielders the Texas Rangers can still pursue this winter

Considering the current roster, Nomar Mazara stands out as the likely number four hitter. He would protect either Elvis Andrus, Rougned Odor, or Jurickson Profar in the three hole. Odor has the proven power to hit third; however, he’ll need to be more consistent in his productivity. But that’s a conversation for another time.

Ideally, Joey Gallo would hit clean up. He is the club’s most profound power hitter, and the clean up role has long been granted to the most powerful player on a given team. Though, he shares the same issue as Odor. Hitting fourth means heating often with runners on base. As such, it would be a great waste if Gallo struck out half the time in those situations.

Chris Woodward and his staff will solidify the role as spring training proceeds. 2019 is a moving year for a number of young Texas Rangers players. It sure would be nice if Gallo moved into a vital role in the lineup, such as the clean up one.