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Texas Rangers: Three Spring Training Invitees to Watch in 2020

By Kenneth Nash

SURPRISE, AZ - FEBRUARY 26: General view of action during the spring training game between the Kansas City Royals and Texas Rangers at Surprise Stadium on February 26, 2017 in Surprise, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
SURPRISE, AZ - FEBRUARY 26: General view of action during the spring training game between the Kansas City Royals and Texas Rangers at Surprise Stadium on February 26, 2017 in Surprise, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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CLEVELAND, OHIO – JULY 07: Sam Huff #28 rounds the bases after hitting a two run home run to tie the game during the seventh inning against the National League team during the All-Stars Futures Game at Progressive Field on July 07, 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio. The American and National League teams tied 2-2. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OHIO – JULY 07: Sam Huff #28 rounds the bases after hitting a two run home run to tie the game during the seventh inning against the National League team during the All-Stars Futures Game at Progressive Field on July 07, 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio. The American and National League teams tied 2-2. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

1. Sam Huff – Catcher

Huff is by a fair margin the best prospect that the Texas Rangers have invited to participate in big league camp this spring. The 22-year old is the club’s top catching prospect and one of their best prospects overall landing on numerous Top 100 prospect lists including MLB Pipeline’s where he sits 74th in all of baseball.

Last season was a breakout campaign for Huff who quickly emerged as one of the best hitting catchers in the minors. He started the season with Single-A Hickory and lit up the South Atlantic League with 15 home runs in 30 games. His .335 average and 1.165 OPS earned him a quick promotion to High-A Down East. While the numbers weren’t quite as eye-popping at the next level, he still managed another 13 homers in 97 games. His .262 average is solid for a power hitting catcher but he does struggle with the strikeout racking up 154 in 127 games.

Huff isn’t a player we’re going to see in Arlington this season. He still needs plenty of polish and to show that he can continue hitting for power. With Down East his OPS was .751 which is lower than he would’ve wanted it. Despite his large frame he has shown an ability to work well with the glove behind the plate, a natural concern for someone his size. He may or may not stick behind the dish but his bat could play at a handful of positions.

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