Texas Rangers: Grading the Team at the Halfway Point

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+