Texas Rangers prospects: Looking at first base slugger Curtis Terry

Is Texas Rangers’ MiLB first baseman Curtis Terry the future at the position for the organization?

The Texas Rangers have long been considered an offensive powerhouse across Major League Baseball.

But throughout Texas Rangers history, Mark Teixeira, Will Clark, Rafael Palmeiro and Mitch Moreland are the few true first basemen that have come through the team’s system.

While none of the above were right-handed batters (the exception being Tex’s ability to switch-hit), that pattern is about to change with their next big slugger.

Over the past decade, the Texas Rangers have seen countless different names at first base.

From the defensive-minded Ronald Guzman to super-utility men Jurickson Profar and Jeff Baker, first base has felt like a revolving door position for the team over the years.

Luckily, a right-handed, slugging first baseman is rising up the ranks of Texas’ farm system.

And he could greatly impact the Rangers’ lineup upon his arrival.

His name is Curtis Terry.

Terry is a 24-year-old Georgia native drafted by the Rangers in 2015.

The former 13th round pick has not only shown a great improvement at the plate, but his power is eye-opening.

Curtis Terry was originally a third baseman, but made the shift across the diamond and has seen huge numbers since.

In 2019, Terry split the year between A-ball affiliates Hickory and Down East, hitting a combined .293 with 25 homers and 80 RBIs. Throw in 37 walks and an OPS sitting at .899, and you have yourself a complete player.

Those numbers helped add to an already impressive resume, which includes an MiLB.com Organizational All Star selection in 2019, four Minor League All Star selections, a Northwest League MVP award in 2018, two Player of the Month selections and three Player of the Week honors.

Intrigued yet? I hope so.

Curtis Terry is not only outstanding at the plate, but can hold his own with the first base glove.

In his five minor league seasons to date, Terry has played over 2,250 innings, racking up a .986 fielding percentage in that span.

So, what does this all mean for the future of the Rangers at first base?

Well, right now the Texas Rangers have quite a few options at the position, with recently acquired Nate Lowe slated to be the starter in 2021.

Ronald Guzman is still on the team as well, and Texas will try to find a place for top prospects Sam Huff and Sherten Apostel very soon.

Furthering Terry’s case for a future roster spot is Huff’s desire to remain behind the dish and Apostel’s ability to play third base.

There is also the possibility of a rotating DH spot that could be up for grabs.

As for Terry, there is still a good chance he can make the big league ballclub within the next few years.

The Texas Rangers obviously like their young slugger, and when the time comes, he will have an opportunity to prove himself at the big league level and help balance out a heavily left-handed lineup.

Curtis Terry will more than likely start 2021 at High-A Hickory, but could move up to Double-A Frisco or Triple-A Round Rock fairly quickly.

I predict that Terry could see time in Arlington in 2022 or 2023, but perhaps even sooner if he produces like he did in 2019.