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Texas Rangers Spring Training: A team defined by uncertainty

By Travis Koch |
SEATTLE, WA - AUGUST 21: Joey Gallo #13 of the Texas Rangers warms up in the on deck circle before an at-bat in a game against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park on August, 21, 2020 in Seattle, Washington. The Mariners won 7-4. (Photo by Stephen Brashear/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA - AUGUST 21: Joey Gallo #13 of the Texas Rangers warms up in the on deck circle before an at-bat in a game against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park on August, 21, 2020 in Seattle, Washington. The Mariners won 7-4. (Photo by Stephen Brashear/Getty Images)
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The upcoming Texas Rangers campaign won’t be geared toward winning the World Series or reaching the postseason. It won’t be about tallying more victories than PECOTA or Caesars Sportsbook predict.

Yes, they’ll still play to win, but the organization’s primary goal starting with Spring Training is to learn its players. To determine which prospect talents can handle the big leagues and which current big leaguers hold value for future seasons.

2021 is a discovery year for Texas. They must clear up the extensive uncertainty that currently fogs their camp.

Texas Rangers spring impressions: Uncertainty surrounding their best player

The Rangers have officially reached the awkward wait, trade, or extend mark with Joey Gallo. Gallo won a Gold Glove as the team’s right fielder in 2020. He was an All-Star the year before, and he’s amassed 119 home runs in 473 games.

(Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
(Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

That is the good from Gallo, but there’s also the bad. For instance, his .181 batting average and .378 slugging percentage last season. Additionally, his 1.5 strikeouts per game and .208 batting average across his career.

You might see why Texas is having a difficult time deciding on his future.

Gallo can play his way to a contract extension during his age 27 season. If he flirts with 40 homers and 100 RBIs in the heart of a sup-par lineup, the Rangers should lock him in long-term as they hopefully turn the corner in 2023.

Whether they do extend him or opt to trade him, Texas must make a move on their most talented player’s future ahead of 2022. The longer they waver, the more challenging it will be to build a team identity moving forward.

ARLINGTON, TEXAS – JULY 09: Jose Leclerc #25 of the Texas Rangers pitches during an intrasquad game during Major League Baseball summer workouts at Globe Life Field on July 09, 2020 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TEXAS – JULY 09: Jose Leclerc #25 of the Texas Rangers pitches during an intrasquad game during Major League Baseball summer workouts at Globe Life Field on July 09, 2020 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /

The Texas Rangers need answers from their pitching staff

What will the Rangers gain from Japanese-league star but rookie major leaguer Kohei Arihara? Can Kyle Cody maintain his effectiveness when stretched out in his starts? Are Jose Leclerc’s best seasons behind him? Which controllable starters and relievers will make statements in 2020?

The uncertainty detector beeps most rapidly when hovering over the Rangers pitching staff. The good news is most pitching-related concerns will be answered over the next seven months.

Arihara prompts plenty of intrigue, as he had great success across six seasons in Japan. Like all international signees, he faces a significant learning curve and talent adjustment in his transition to Major League Baseball.

The Rangers will found out early on if his “stuff” translates. To their benefit, Arihara threw more innings in 2020 (132.2) than any MLB pitcher. He should be in good shape as spring games get started.

For nearly every other Rangers pitcher, the goal is to pitch well enough this season to gain favor for next season. Jonathan Hernandez and Jose Leclerc are the only relievers who have wholeheartedly earned the team’s trust. The others are battling against one another for mound time in 2021.

Only two of Texas’ projected starting pitchers have made more than 20 big league starts, so a fascinating competition is forthcoming for that group as well.

(Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)
(Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images) /

Uncertainties throughout the Texas Rangers lineup

Unfortunately, the Rangers don’t have an Anthony Rendon, a George Springer, or a D.J. LeMahieu – players that unequivocally produce year after year. Instead, they have David Dahl, who hasn’t stayed healthy for more than 100 games in a season, and Willie Calhoun, who’s running dry on chances to prove himself.

As much as Rangers fans want to get behind hard-working middle infielders Isiah Kiner-Falefa and Nick Solak, there’s concern whether either has the extra-base hit capabilities to survive in an OPS-driven league.

Can one of Ronald Guzman or Nate Lowe breakthrough as the club’s next long-lasting first baseman? Can Khris Davis rediscover his power after consecutive sub-400 slugging seasons?

Considering the Texas Rangers’ likely Opening Day lineup, two players comfortably project as starters on Opening Day of 2022: Leody Taveras and David Dahl.

Gallo could change teams at the 2021 trade deadline; a standout free-agent shortstop could supplant Kiner-Falefa, and a prospect could replace Solak at second base. If all goes to plan, top prospects Josh Jung and Sam Huff will take over at third base and catcher, respectively. DH and first base are also up for grabs.

Next. 4 candidates to hit cleanup in 2021. dark

Get ready, Texas Rangers fans, because you’re going to learn a ton about your organization this season. There’s no such thing as a sure thing with this bunch, but it will be exciting to see which players take steps towards becoming a mainstay.

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