Texas Rangers Possible Roster Plans When Hunter Pence Returns?

With Hunter Pence expected to return for the Texas Rangers soon, Jon Daniels will have a very tough roster decision looming for the team.

The Texas Rangers are starting to get healthier on an already solid offense, which is going to make some decisions difficult as players near their return to the majors.

Although the Rangers offense has been very good, they still have some players that are slumping on offense, but benefit the team in other areas.

What players could see themselves being sent down? It’s not going to be a pitcher, due to the issues that the Texas Rangers have had with their pitching staff, and it won’t be one of their catchers (though one of them will be optioned upon the return of Isiah Kiner-Falefa). So that leaves four position players that I think could be optioned when Pence is ready to return.

Delino DeShields

DeShields has hit .326 over his past 30 games, but he is still a very limited offensive player. He is a great defender in CF, and his speed can be a game changer when he is on base.

On the downside, DeShields is able to be optioned without being lost to another team, so the Rangers may value that more than his defensive skills, and speed, due to the addition of yet another outfielder in Hunter Pence. Joey Gallo and Danny Santana would likely take over in CF if the Rangers decide to option DeShields.

Asdrubal Cabrera

Cabrera has really struggled over the past month or so. He was hitting .234 (entering Friday’s game) over his past 30 games, and a dismal .137 over his past 15 games. He has been one of the worst defensive third basemen in baseball, as well. Cabrera is also a free agent at the end of the season and is 33 years-old.

Outside of being a veteran in the clubhouse, Cabrera hasn’t really brought much to the table this season and could be replaced by either Danny Santana or Logan Forsythe if the Texas Rangers decided to move on from him.

If the Rangers do decide to move on, they would designate him for assignment, and he would likely leave the organization to join another, whether it be via a trade, or after being released.

Ronald Guzman

Guzman has really struggled over his last 15 games, hitting just .184. In fact, he has only made it on base twice in his last seven games! He is a good defender, and constantly makes the highlight reels with his splits.

The Rangers can afford to send him down, as he does have a minor league option (unlike Rougned Odor), which could help him work on his swing, and possibly find a groove for the next time an offensive spot opens up. His likely first base replacements would be Danny Santana and Logan Forsythe.

Guzman would probably be the player most likely to be sent down, just because he has an option, and the Rangers have a few players that can fill in for him at first base.