Texas Rangers: Projecting 1B/DH scenarios for 2021

The Texas Rangers have some interesting first base and DH scenarios to mull heading into the 2021 season.

With Nate Lowe in the fold after an off-season trade with the Tampa Bay Rays, along with Willie Calhoun on the roster as well as newly minted LIDOM MVP Ronald Guzman, the team isn’t suffering from a shortage of talent at the position, all of whom can also slot in at DH as well.

All three players possess big left-handed pop, with Guzman and Lowe each having spent time at first base defensively, while Calhoun has played some outfield.

Essentially, this southpaw-hitting trio would amount to a roster redundancy for the Texas Rangers should all of them be retained heading into Opening Day 2021.

Realistically, however, only two of these players will have a real shot at making the roster by securing the first base and DH positions, respectively.

Let’s delve into all of the the potential scenarios for Texas at 1B/DH in 2021.

Texas Rangers 1B/DH Scenario 1: 1B Lowe, DH Calhoun, Guzman traded

This is probably the likeliest arrangement for the 2021 season.

With the Rangers having surrendered prospects to acquire Lowe, they’re expecting him to win the first base job and become the starter there.

Calhoun is looking at the starting DH spot as of now, and he deserves a chance to bounce back after a down year in 2020.

That would leave Ronald Guzman in the unfortunate position of roster redundancy casualty.

The good news is that the team could trade him for assets to help the rebuilding cause, because they can’t send him to Triple-A due to lack of remaining MiLB options at this point.

Overall, this scenario appears to be the overwhelming favorite to occur in the 2021 season.

Texas Rangers 1B/DH Scenario 2: 1B Lowe, DH Guzman, Calhoun on the bubble

This scenario is possible, but less likely than the above one.

In this outcome, Lowe wins the first base job as expected, but “Condor” Guzman overtakes Willie Calhoun at the DH spot, leaving the latter in a tough position.

The way Guzman has hit in the Dominican Winter League this year could certainly give validity to this scenario, though.

Calhoun will still need to prove that he can finally reach the prospect status he was given when he was acquired by the Rangers for Yu Darvish back in 2017.

In a positional competition, anything is possible.

Texas Rangers 1B/DH Scenario 4: 1B Guzman, DH Calhoun, Lowe on the bubble

I suppose we’re allowed to devise a truly hypothetical scenario here as well.

In this one, Guzman wins the first base job, while the young Calhoun secures the DH spot and Nate Lowe… well, that was quick.

This would never happen, of course, because the Rangers are not about to trade away Nate Lowe after recently acquiring him for prospects and anticipating his role on future Texas contenders.

And while Guzman could win the first base job based on his defensive merits, Lowe’s bat is still tantalizing enough to keep around.

At least Willie Calhoun nabs a starting spot in this outcome, not an insignificant development.

But Nate Lowe is here to stay, whether you approved of the trade to acquire him or not.

Which of these four scenarios appeals the most to you, Texas Rangers fans? Let us know in the comments.