Texas Rangers: Grading the Team at the Halfway Point
The Texas Rangers have officially hit the halfway point of the 2019 season and we can evaluate the team’s and individual players’ grades through 81 games.
We’re now 81 games through the 2019 season marking the halfway point of the year for the Texas Rangers. This means we can officially hand out our Nolan Writin’ team and player grades up to this point. Grades will be on a letter scale based on expectations and comparisons to the rest of the league. For individual players, the mark to qualify for a grade is set at 10 games played for fielders and 5 games played for pitchers. Additionally, the player must still be with the organization, i.e. no Drew Smyly.
Grading the Team as a Whole
Entering the season, the Texas Rangers were predicted by most to be fighting for the 4th place spot in the AL West and trying to stay above 70 wins as they embark on a crucial year in their rebuild. However, Texas has blown away the expectations for them and currently sit at 45-36 on the year. They’re a half game up in the AL Wild Card race and 4.5 games back of the Astros in the AL West. They’re on pace for a 90-win season and at the time of writing this, hold the 6th best record in all of baseball. They’ve emerged as a real competitor, and while they may not be a marked World Series contender, they’ve opened a lot of eyes across the league as a legit team.
Team Grade: A-
The reason Texas gets an A- despite completely blowing away expectations is that it still feels like some win were left out on the table. A slow trigger finger on parting ways with Drew Smyly, as well as continually inserting Rougned Odor into the lineup at the loss of Danny Santana means that the Rangers likely could have two or three more wins with some different decisions being made. Sitting atop the AL West would mark an A+ performance but an A- grade is a fair representation of where this club is at.
The Infielders
The group making up the infielders are those players who have started more games in the infield than any other position group. The infielders as a whole have been fairly consistent for the Rangers defensively and been respectable at the plate.
Jeff Mathis: 45 G, .159/.217/.227/.444, -0.8 WAR
The Rangers signed Jeff Mathis this offseason with hopes that he could help mentor developing catcher Isiah Kiner-Falefa. Mathis has never been a threat at the plate as a career .196 hitter, but hopes were that his defensive ability would be of benefit to a young team. Despite this, he’s underachieving at the plate even with low expectations and hasn’t quite been the defensive guru expected. He’s playing more regularly than he has in his career which could be having a negative impact but it’s still been a poor season for the veteran.
Grade: D
Isiah Kiner-Falefa: 38 G, .231/.308/.343/.651, -0.3 WAR
Kiner-Falefa was given the task of trying to transition to being a catcher this season, something almost unheard of at the big league level. Possessing quick hands and a good bat, the Rangers wanted to find a long-term spot for IKF. His offensive numbers have dipped compared to 2018 which is to be expected when focusing so heavily on a new position. However, he hasn’t shown a ton of prowess behind the plate raising some doubts about a long term fit.
Grade: C
Tim Federowicz: 11 G, .200/.250/.433/.683, 0.0 WAR
The Rangers acquired Federowicz in early June when Isiah Kiner-Falefa went down with an injury. He was added from the Indians Triple-A roster as a fill-in but has raised a real debate about a long-term stay. Kiner-Falefa will come off the IL in early-July and Texas will have to decide which of their 3 catchers sticks with the big league club. Federowicz has a small sample size so there’s more evaluating to do but he may force a tough decision for the Rangers in just a couple of weeks.
Grade: C-
Ronald Guzman: 53 G, .219/.303/.444/.746, 0.3 WAR
Ronald Guzman entered the season having grabbed hold of the first base position in 2018. A defensive gem, Guzman had high hopes on him coming into 2019 as a player who could take a big leap forward this year. Defensively, he’s still been superb, but he’s regressed at the plate and might benefit from some more time to season. However, he still has the makings of a plus-defender and average-hitter which is a good combo for Texas to have at 1st base.
Grade: B-
Rougned Odor: 66 G, .178/.253/.353/.606, -0.6 WAR
Odor has had a dismal year at the plate so far. That’s really the only way to put it. After a slow start in 2018, he was able to catch fire in the latter part of the season and turn his outlook around. However, any progress made this year has been completely lost and he’s looking like an overmatched hitter. His strikeout rate is up as is his flyball rate. His defense is still really good which is what is holding him afloat but it’s shocking to see this production from a starter on a competitive team.
Grade: D+
Elvis Andrus: 70 G, .307/.342/.461/.803, 1.7 WAR
Elvis Andrus just keeps on getting better and 2019 is no exception. The 30-year old shortstop is putting up career numbers at the plate and could be a sneaky All-Star candidate. He’s become one of the best all-around shortstops in the game and taken the mantle as the leader in the Rangers clubhouse. Andrus is well on his way to being a club legend and could add to a dark horse MVP argument if he keeps up this kind of production in the 2nd half.
Grade: A
Asdrubal Cabrera: 70 G, .231/.312/.409/.721, 0.1 WAR
Cabrera started off the season as one of the hottest bats in the lineup, especially in the friendly confines of Globe Life Park. However, over his last 15 games, he’s hitting just .161 and just .077 in his last 7 games. He just finished off a 3-game suspension and is due back with Texas however offensive mediocrity and below-average defensive prowess have raised questions about how long Cabrera still has in Arlington.
Grade: C
Logan Forsythe: 57 G, .269/.372/.418/.790, 0.9 WAR
Logan Forsythe is just one of a few offseason signings that have panned out superbly for the Texas Rangers. Playing a number of positions, Forsythe has been a super-utility man that has helped hold the lineup together when dealing with injuries. He’s far exceeded expectations and could see his playing time increase if Cabrera and Texas end up parting ways.
Grade: B+
The Outfielders
The group making up the outfielders are those players who have started more games in the outfield than any other position group. The outfielders as a whole have been a big part of the success for the Rangers both defensively and offensively.
Joey Gallo: 53 G, .279/.427/.676/1.103, 3.4 WAR
Joey Gallo is probably the top individual storyline of 2019 for the Texas Rangers. Once a slugging-specialist, Gallo has morphed his offensive abilities into those of a true MVP candidate. He just missed being an All-Star Game starter but has a shot at being a reserve. He’s one of the most feared hitters in all of baseball and is well on his way to a fat contract extension if he keeps performing like this.
Grade: A+
Nomar Mazara: 73 G, .270/.320/.460/.780, 0.6 WAR
Mazara was looking to finally take that next step forward as a player entering 2019 but got off to another just average start. It raised some questions about whether he’d ever become the superstar caliber player many hoped he would. He still could stand to hit more for power but he’s caught fire of late posting a 1.012 OPS in his last 7 games. He’s trending in the right direction but there’s still work to be done.
Grade: B
Delino DeShields: 54 G, .253/.361/.331/.692, 1.1 WAR
DeShields got off to a rough start in 2019 and found himself the odd man out the first time outfielder roster adjustments were needed. He found himself sent down to Triple-A Nashville to try and get his bat going as well as increase his on-base percentage. He did just that and is hitting .309 with a .383 on-base percentage in his last 30 games. He’s carving out a more permanent role for himself in center field and will help create some questions when the outfield group has to be trimmed once again.
Grade: B-
Willie Calhoun: 15 G, .345/.387/.638/1.025, 0.8 WAR
Calhoun has a small sample size but his 2019 season is why the threshold for qualifying for this list was so low. Calhoun started off the year in Nashville much to his dismay but he took the opportunity to work hard and get better. Since he was promoted to replace an injured Joey Gallo a few weeks ago, Calhoun has torn up the big leagues reaching base in all 15 games in which he’s appeared. He’s showing signs of being the hitting prodigy we wanted when he was acquired for Yu Darvish in 2017 and could force Texas to keep him on the big league roster.
Grade: A
Danny Santana: 56 G, .302/.338/.534/.873, 1.2 WAR
Danny Santana is making his case as one of the best minor-league deals ever offered by the Rangers. Santana was promoted early in the season after Odor went down with an injury and has stuck ever since. Another super-utility man, Santana has played a little over 50% of his games in the outfield with the rest in the infield or as the DH. He’s been phenomenal at the plate leading to calls from fans for him to take over 2nd base full time. No doubt the Rangers will look to bring him back next season if they can find a role for him.
Grade: A
Designated Hitters
Similar to the infield and outfield categories, to qualify for DH category, the majority of the games started played by the player are in the DH spot of the lineup. Both the qualifying players have been superb at the plate this season and helped as major offensive catalysts for the entire team.
Shin-Soo Choo: 75 G, .285/.384/.496/.880, 1.3 WAR
Shin-Soo Choo has picked up right where he left off in 2018 at the plate. The 36-year old veteran is one of the most consistent players in the lineup and among the best leadoff men in the league. His hefty contract still weighs heavily on the minds of fans but his production is really the sole reason Willie Calhoun can’t get consistent playing time. Choo is living up to expectations once again and is a big part of this feared lineup.
Grade: A-
Hunter Pence: 55 G, .294/.353/.608/.962, 1.4 WAR
If Danny Santana is one of the greatest minor-league deals in club history, Hunter Pence has to be one of the best of all time. The veteran has seen a career resurgence after joining Texas this offseason and earned himself a starting spot as the DH on the AL All-Star team. He’s hitting the ball hard and all over the park and has quickly become a fan favorite. He’s gotten his fair share of time in the outfield and will continue to get ample at-bats when he returns from the IL.
Grade: A+
Starting Pitchers
These are the guys who have been featured as a part of the starting rotation for a chunk of this season. Drew Smyly isn’t included because he’s no longer with the organization however you can probably guess his grade if you wanted to.
Mike Minor: 17 GS, 2.40 ERA, 110 SO, 1.12 WHIP, 5.5 WAR
Mike Minor has been the ace nobody thought he would be this season. The 31-year old vet hasn’t just been an ace this season, he’s been a Cy Young candidate. Minor leads the MLB in pitching WAR this season and has been about as unhittable as you can be as a starter. Under contract for this season and next, the question now is, do you hand him an extension. Minor has been the top pitcher by a mile for the Rangers in 2019.
Grade: A+
Lance Lynn: 16 GS, 4.32 ERA, 108 SO, 1.27 WHIP, 2.7 WAR
If Mike Minor has been the consummate ace, Lance Lynn has been a dang good workhorse number 2 starter. Lynn has thrown 100 innings this season and maintains over a strikeout per inning rate. His fastball is above the league average in velocity and spin rate leading to a lot of his success. His 3-year deal looks like a solid one halfway through 2019 as he’s become a big factor in the Rangers success.
Grade: A-
Adrian Sampson: 10 GS, 4.14 ERA, 66 SO, 1.38 WHIP, 2.3 WAR
Sampson took a huge step forward for the Rangers this season and has become a consistent part of their rotation. He’s started 10 games this year but made 17 total appearances as he’s worked behind an opener on a few instances. He doesn’t possess any overpowering stuff but his approach to hitters has been good and he’s helped the Rangers win ball games.
Grade: B
Ariel Jurado: 8 GS, 3.90 ERA, 41 SO, 1.34 WHIP, 0.8 WAR
Jurado is the exception to the starter qualification rule because he also has worked behind an opener some this season and also is an entrenched part of the rotation. The 23-year old, like Sampson, has taken a big step forward in 2019 and has put Texas in the position to win games. He’s not going to rack up the strikeouts but he’s been a good number 4 starter and is giving us high hopes for the future.
Grade: B
Relief Pitchers
Relief pitchers as you guessed are those pitchers who have pitched in relief more often than as a starter. The exception above was Ariel Jurado who pitched behind an opener lowering his start total.
Shawn Kelley: 29 G, 2.79 ERA, 28 SO, 1.138 WHIP, 1.5 WAR
Kelley was brought in a cheap 1-year deal this offseason to help bolster the back end of the bullpen. After some struggles from Jose Leclerc though, Kelley assumed the closer role and has held his own very nicely. With 11 saves, Kelley has been crucial in holding on to some late-inning leads and has been a bargain for the support he’s provided.
Grade: A-
Jesse Chavez: 35 G, 2.79 ERA, 48 SO, 1.219 WHIP, 1.8 WAR
The Rangers brought back Chavez after dealing him prior to last year’s deadline. Chavez had a rocky start but has turned it around and become arguably the best reliever in the bullpen for Texas. He’s gotten a few spot starts and right now officially occupies the 5th starter role but he’s mostly a reliever and likely will revert back to that role in the near future.
Grade: A
Jose Leclerc: 14 G, 4.58 ERA, 55 SO, 1.217 WHIP, 0.6 WAR
Leclerc was handed a nice extension this offseason after emerging as a top closer in baseball in 2018. With expectations he would stay dominant this year, Leclerc had some pronounced early-season struggles that saw him moved out of the closer role. He’s made some strides in his last 7 games posting a 2.45 ERA and striking out 11 in 7.1 innings, but he’s still a long way from the Leclerc we saw last season.
Grade: C
Chris Martin: 31 G, 3.48 ERA, 32 SO, 1.065 WHIP, 1.0 WAR
Chris Martin has quietly been phenomenal for the Rangers bullpen this season. The veteran has been great in late-inning situations and even picked up a few saves along the way. In a perfect world Texas would go, Martin, Kelley, Leclerc for the 7th, 8th, 9th innings but right now Martin is acting as a bit of a setup man for Kelley and has really been excellent.
Grade: A-
Shelby Miller: 19 G, 8.59 ERA, 30 SO, 1.977 WHIP, -1.1 WAR
Miller is a bit of a hybrid between starter and relief categories as he’s made 8 starts and had an opener ahead of him a couple of times. He’s been really poor as a starter and hasn’t improved very much as a reliever. If Texas can find more stable relief options, Miller may be following the same path that Drew Smyly did a couple of weeks ago.
Grade: F
Brett Martin: 22 G, 4.39 ERA, 20 SO, 1.200 WHIP, 0.4 WAR
The 24-year old lefty has emerged as a decent relief option for the Rangers this season and has carved out a bit of a role for himself. He’s not been dominant but has been serviceable which is sometimes what you need. He’s still young which is exciting for long-term development and could see his role increased as the year goes on.
Grade: B
Peter Fairbanks: 6 G, 4.70 ERA, 12 SO, 1.304 WHIP, 0.0 WAR
Fairbanks has had a meteoric rise through the Texas Rangers system this year. Starting off 2019 in High-A, Fairbanks climbed the ladder quickly and found himself pitching in Arlington in mid-June. It’s a small sample size and he’s shown the downside of being so “green” but he also has shown the ability to be nearly unhittable. He may not stick in the bigs for the rest of the year but he’s put forth a good showing thus far.
Grade: B+
Kyle Dowdy: 13 G, 7.25 ERA, 17 SO, 1.970 WHIP, -0.4 WAR
Dowdy was another hopeful looking to carve out a role in the Texas Rangers bullpen this season. He’s struggled in his limited opportunities and currently is on the 7-day IL. It’s unlikely he knocks anybody in the ‘pen out of a role so a long-term fit this season is probably not going to happen.
Grade: D+
Kyle Bird: 6 G, 6.75 ERA, 5 SO, 2.100 WHIP, -0.1 WAR
Bird was a piece acquired in the Jurickson Profar and provides a young reliever with time to grow. He’s struggled in his opportunities this season and is now in Triple-A with Nashville. He wasn’t quite ready for a full-time relief role for the Rangers but he should still get opportunities down the line with plenty of room to improve.
Grade: C-
Halfway Round-Up
Clearly, the Rangers have outperformed nearly everybody’s expectations for them this season. It remains to be seen if they can match their first-half performance and pull off a 90-win campaign. However, anything over .500 to me is a success based on preseason expectations and slipping into the Wild Card is just gravy. Let us know your grades in the comments below as well as your hopes for the 2nd half of the season.