Texas Rangers: This is the perfect lineup for 2021

A promising young group will take the field for Texas in 2021, headlined by top prospects, breakout stars and former All-Stars.

The Texas Rangers had a disappointing 2020 season.

I know that’s stating the obvious, but for the diehard fan, there is a lot to like about the team going forward.

Starting the year out with Elvis Andrus and Rougned Odor up the middle sure wasn’t striking fear into the hearts of opposing AL West Division teams, but the young guns who will follow sure will.

In just a few short years, I predict the Texas Rangers will be back in the playoff hunt, looking to regain the magic of the 2010-11 teams.

Now, I’m not saying we’ll never see another Michael Young, Josh Hamilton or Mike Napoli type of player come through the organization. It’s just that the Rangers are not currently built that way.

There is promise, however, beginning with a leadoff hitter who’s name people have doubted for years because his bat has been slow to develop.

Leading off: CF Leody Taveras

Name the last time the Texas Rangers had a switch-hitting, elite defensive center fielder who can put the ball in play, AND has developing power to go along with it.

Pretty difficult, right?

Well, it’s something that Texas has never really had before.

Taveras has elite speed and a cannon for an arm, making him a great center fielder, but as we saw in a short sample size, he can swing the twig a little bit, too.

The young outfielder was critiqued heavily in the minor leagues for not being able to hit as he progressed, but proved everyone wrong as soon as he got to the big stage.

He hit .227 with four homers and 11 RBIs, which at first glance, is not that impressive.

What wasn’t shown, however, was his patience and mature eye at the plate, as well as a calm presence overall.

These are all things that are very impressive for the recently turned 22-year-old.

Taveras will be a mainstay in the Rangers lineup for years to come, giving Texas true center fielder and leadoff man for the foreseeable future.

Batting Second: DH Willie Calhoun

Calhoun was the centerpiece that came over in the 2016 trade of Yu Darvish to the Dodgers.

He has always been known for his ability to control the bat, and that’s why he is batting second for me.

Obviously, 2020 wasn’t a great year for anybody, but especially for Calhoun. He was hit in the face by a Julio Urias fastball, then suffered a hamstring injury once he returned to action, all while trying to play during a global pandemic.

He has shown signs of greatness, though.

Look back to 2019, where he hit .269 with 21 homers and 48 RBIs in just 83 games.

Calhoun has the potential to be a great major league hitter, but he has to be given an opportunity day-in and day-out to prove it. He’ll get that chance in 2021.

3-5: The Big Boppers

In an ideal world, the Rangers would love to see Elvis Andrus, Joey Gallo and Rougned Odor in these spots, but that isn’t going to happen.

With Andrus and Odor’s struggles, they won’t  be a part of the equation next year.

I have Nick Solak playing second base and hitting third, Joey Gallo, the Gold Glove winner batting fourth and playing right field, then Yasiel Puig, (who the Rangers could possibly acquire) playing left field.

Solak has the ability to hit the ball everywhere, but took a step back in the power department last season. I think he’ll regain that ability to drive the ball again this next season.

Then what is there not to like about Gallo and Puig’s power back-to-back in the heart of the Texas order. Holy smokes. Plus, that would give the Rangers an elite defensive outfield.

Oh man, that’s fun to think about.

6-7: Defense First, Offense Coming

In the six and seven spots, I have Ronald Guzman and Josh Jung.

Guzman has the makings of being a great gap-power guy, not to mention his ability to pick it with the best of them at first base.

Good grief man, how does a guy that big do the splits that easy?

He has played well in winter ball so far and has yet another opportunity to win first base for good.

The recent acquisition of Nate Lowe from the Rays will present some competition, but I think Guzman wins the job.

Next, the top rated prospect in the system, Josh Jung.

He’s inevitably going to get a shot next season. I predict by early June that he’ll be in the big leagues.

Will he be the next great Rangers’ third baseman since Adrian Beltre? No one knows, but we’ll soon see for ourselves.

9: The Second Leadoff Hitter

Lastly, we have Isiah Kiner-Falefa at shortstop for the Rangers.

He proved this past season that he is a Gold Glove caliber defender, plus the bat finally came around to the tune of a .280 batting average and a .699 OPS.

Kiner-Falefa is the perfect ninth place hitter in this lineup. He gets on base, he can steal a bag at will and he can drive runners in.

Imagine having Kiner-Falefa driving in Jung or Guzman, then turning it over to Taveras, Calhoun and the big boppers. That is a lineup I can get behind.

So, to recap, I have played the role of new GM Chris Young in this lineup proposal. While not all the players listed are currently on the Rangers, those that aren’t are logical, cost-effective moves that Texas could easily make. Once again, here is the Texas Rangers’ perfect lineup for the 2021 season:

1. CF Leody Taveras (S)
2. DH Willie Calhoun (L)
3. 2B Nick Solak (R)
4. RF Joey Gallo (L)
5. LF Yasiel Puig (R)
6. 1B Ronald Guzman (L)
7. 3B Josh Jung (R)
8. C Jose Trevino (R)/ Jason Castro (L)
9. SS Isiah Kiner-Falefa (R)