New Year’s Resolutions for the Texas Rangers in 2019

Retire #10 and #29

The Rangers need to make honoring these two club legends a priority in 2019. Michael Young spent nearly his entire career for Texas and is Rangers baseball personified. While he may not have been the best player to don the Rangers uniform, what he means to the franchise is unmatchable and is deserving of retirement. Nobody will ever wear the number 10 for Texas again nor should they.

While Adrian Beltre may have only retired at the end of 2018, nobody that plays for the Rangers need attempt to wear the number 29. Beltre cemented himself as a Rangers legend in his time here and when he’s inducted into the Hall of Fame in a few years, it likely will be as a Texas Ranger. El Capitan has made his mark in Arlington sure to stand the test of time.

Figure Out Your Long-Term Plans in the Outfield

The Rangers know they have this problem and 2019 is the year to do something about it. Right now Texas has a logjam of outfielders at the Major League level and in their minor league system. Texas needs to choose between Joey Gallo, Nomar Mazara and Willie Calhoun and ensure that the players they stick with get ample playing time.

At this point, delaying the inevitable can only backfire on Texas. If Joey Gallo is your best option in right field, it’s time to move Mazara. If you don’t think Calhoun fits defensively and only works as a DH, it’s time to move him on to. Texas has to figure this out and get their core set as they move through this period of transition and rebuild.

Trust This Process

This one goes out to Rangers fans as much as it does the organization. This year Texas underwent a major overhaul in leadership positions particularly on the coaching staff. All those changes aren’t locks to work out immediately. In fact, it’s likely that this year may start out even rougher than 2018 did. No matter, the organization and fans alike, need to stick by the decisions that have been made and let this play out. If you’re committed to the future you’ve constructed, stick with it even if it gets ugly at times.

We’re going to have guys playing at positions they’re not 100% accustomed to like Isiah Kiner-Falefa behind the plate. That usually isn’t a formula for immediate success but it can pay off big time in the future. Sticking with what your plan is the best way to speed up this process and return to being a contending club.

Continue To Acquire Prospects, Even If It Means Unpopular Moves

This one seems like a no-brainer but we’ll go ahead and say it anyways. Texas has done an outstanding job acquiring prospects since they’ve embarked on this rebuild. Over 20 at my last count in a fairly short amount of time.

Acquiring the talent Texas is looking for though means making those uncomfortable decisions. It may mean trading young Major League talent for even more young talent. It may mean trading fan favorites and success this season for long-term success over years. However they do it, Texas can’t stop building the upper levels of their minor league system. It’s crucial if they want any shot at being competitve down the road.

Enjoy The Year

Another one meant for fans and the organizations. Listen everybody, we know we’re going to be bad. It’s not going to surprise anybody so it shouldn’t be drawing any complaints come summer or late next season. Complaining or getting frustrated when things go the way you would expect them to helps absolutely nobody.

This team has talent. And it has talent that’s fun to watch. Whether you like him or not, Rougned Odor is one of the more exciting players to watch in Major League Baseball. Rangers fans get treated to some of the longest (and highest) homeruns ever hit thanks to Joey Gallo. Isiah Kiner-Falefa is an example of scouting and development done right. Enjoy that. Don’t waste away the 2019 season wallowing in self-pity because you’re not getting it from anybody else.

Have fun and enjoy the final year in Globe Life Park.