Texas Rangers: Top Headlines Entering Spring Training

TORONTO, ON - APRIL 27: Joey Gallo #13 of the Texas Rangers circles the bases after hitting a two-run home run in the first inning during MLB game action against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre on April 27, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - APRIL 27: Joey Gallo #13 of the Texas Rangers circles the bases after hitting a two-run home run in the first inning during MLB game action against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre on April 27, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) /
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Texas Rangers
SURPRISE, AZ – MARCH 05: Willie Calhoun #5 of the Texas Rangers hits a RBI single against the San Francisco Giants during the first inning of the spring training game at Surprise Stadium on March 5, 2018 in Surprise, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

What must Willie Calhoun do to break camp with the Rangers?

Calhoun will have to have an outstanding spring in order to make the team. The odds are against him. He can only play the corner outfield positions, and those are just about guaranteed to Joey Gallo and Nomar Mazara.

If Calhoun were to show up to spring in shape, play a solid outfield and smash the baseball, the organization would have no choice but to assign him to the major league squad. And they’ll only do so if the 24-year-old is expected to play close to everyday.

Gallo would move to center to allow Calhoun to play left. The Rangers aren’t against Gallo playing center field; however, it would take a great spring from Calhoun and a bad spring from Delino DeShields to fully persuade the front office and coaching staff.

All of this is contingent on Willie Calhoun impressing throughout spring training. If he does not, he’ll be headed to Triple-A and placed on the waiting list for an outfielder or DH to hit the DL.