Texas Rangers bold predictions: One from each member of our staff

Ronald Guzman will be considered for the All-Star team

Ronald Guzman came onto the scene with the Rangers last year and quickly took over the
starting first base job. He ended up playing 123 games. In those games, Guzman hit .235 with 16 home runs. He also showed off his terrific defense, making plays (particularly when he would do the splits) that spread very quickly throughout social media.

We already know that Guzman is a great defender, but the real questions surround his offensive
game. He has the build to be a slugger, and it appeared this spring that he is on his way to reaching his full potential.

Across 41 plate appearances this spring, The Condor has hit .351 with a .390 OBP, while mashing 4 home runs. Obviously, Guzman won’t keep that stat line up throughout the season, but who says he can’t hit .280 with 30 home runs over the next six months? It’s doable for someone with his intangibles; this could be his breakout season.

I think Ronald Guzman will continue his hot hitting to start the season and go into the All-Star
break hitting around .290-.295 with roughly 15 home runs. Deservedly, he’ll be heavily considered as a reserve for the American League All-Star team, and will even be involved in the fan vote for the final player (if he isn’t an outright reserve).

Every team in the league is guaranteed an All-Star, so if Guzman is playing as well as I believe he’s going to, there’s no reason he shouldn’t be one! Regardless of if he makes the All-Star team or not, it’s going to be fun watching his offense take the next step this season.