New Year's Resolutions for the Texas Rangers in 2019

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ARLINGTON, TX – SEPTEMBER 23: Adrian Beltre #29 of the Texas Rangers tries to avoid getting showered with sports drink after the 6-1 win over the Seattle Mariners in the final home game of the season at Globe Life Park in Arlington on September 23, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images) /

The last day of 2018 is upon us and we’re on the cusp of 2019. What should be the Texas Rangers resolutions for the New Year and the new season?

The 2018 season was one that many Rangers fans prefer to forget and leave in the past as we head into the new year. While there were some ups, there were also plenty of downs that can leave a sour taste in the Texas faithful. But rather than dwell on those, let’s look towards 2019 and the resolutions the Texas Rangers should make moving forward.

OAKLAND, CA – OCTOBER 03: Michael Young #10 of the Texas Rangers bats against the Oakland Athletics at O.co Coliseum on October 3, 2012 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

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.

ARLINGTON, TX – JUNE 24: Joey Gallo #13 of the Texas Rangers fields the hit by Stephen Vogt #21 of the Oakland Athletics in the first inning at Globe Life Park in Arlington on June 24, 2015 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

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.

SEATTLE, WA – SEPTEMBER 27: Isiah Kiner-Falefa #9 (L) and Jose Leclerc #62 of the Texas Rangers celebrate after defeating the Seattle Mariners 2-0 during their game at Safeco Field on September 27, 2018 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

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.

ANAHEIM, CA – JUNE 03: Nomar Mazara #30 of the Texas Rangers his a solo home run in the eighth inning of the game against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim at Angel Stadium on June 3, 2018 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images) /

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.

ARLINGTON, TX – OCTOBER 5: The outside of the Rangers Ballpark in Arlington before the American League Wild Card game between the Texas Rangers and the Baltimore Orioles on October 5, 2012 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images) /

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.

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New Year’s Resolutions for the Texas Rangers in 2019