Texas Rangers: Would Joc Pederson fit in the 2020 lineup?

Joey Gallo to CF, Joc Pederson to RF

One option for the Rangers is to move Joey Gallo back to center field for the 2020 season, a position which he has demonstrated an ability to play well. Gallo has shown over the past couple of seasons that he’s a freak athlete and despite his massive frame, can be a plus defender in center field. However, all indications are that the Rangers have no intention of returning Gallo to center and want him to be their right fielder of the future. Gallo’s value, while a positive on defense, comes from his ability at the plate and right field is a less physically demanding position than center. Plus Gallo’s arm profiles nicely in right field, a spot where he could easily become one of the best at the position in the next year or so.

Pederson profiles best as a corner outfielder and with Willie Calhoun limited to left field, Pederson would stick in right. In an effort to add Pederson’s left-handed bat without adding one to the lineup, the Rangers could look to move Danny Santana, slotted to start in center, to first base. That would bump Ronald Guzman from an everyday role into a defensive sub and platoon bat. In the lineup, exchanging Guzman for Pederson offensively would be a big upgrade. Defensively, Gallo in center would be a positive over Santana but the drop-off in Guzman’s defense at first to Santana would be noticeable.