Texas Rangers: What are the plans at first base for 2020?

Top First Base Prospects

First base isn’t a spot that is particularly deep at the upper levels of the minor league system for the Texas Rangers, but many prospects who make it as first basemen don’t start out their careers classified there. Many players transition to first base eventually which leaves plenty of players off this list.

Heriberto Hernandez: #27 in MLB Pipeline 2019 Top 30 Rangers’ Prospects

Hernandez is one of those aforementioned players that could end up at first base before all is said and done. The 20-year old has worked behind the plate, at first and in right field already in his career but could move on from catching duties as soon as this season. He played in 53 games for the organization last season with .345 with a 1.071 OPS. He’s still a number of years away from the bigs but is the highest ranked “first base” prospect by MLB Pipeline at this point.

Curtis Terry: Unranked in MLB Pipeline 2019 Top 30 Rangers’ Prospects

In pure first base prospects, Curtis Terry is probably the one with the highest ceiling at this point. The 23-year old slugger has started to make his name known in prospect circles after a breakout 2018 campaign with the Spokane Indians. In 67 games for the Rangers’ Low-A affiliate, Terry hit .337 with a 1.040 OPS and 15 homers which earned him a promotion to Single-A Hickory to start the 2019 season. Terry split time between Hickory and High-A Down East playing a total of 129 games. He finished with a .293 average and 25 homers which could see him hit Double-A Frisco this upcoming season. He’s Rule 5 eligible this offseason so Texas could find themselves in a sticky spot, especially if he continues his success, but the right-handed power hitter was a bright spot in the organization this season.

Other First Base Prospects: Blaine Crim (Spokane), Tyreque Reed (Down East)