Texas Rangers: 3 players who are having underrated spring trainings

Mar 3, 2021; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Texas Rangers second baseman Andy Ibanez (77) turns a double play on Los Angeles Angels left fielder Justin Upton (10) during the second inning during a spring training game at Tempe Diablo Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /

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Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /

Andy Ibanez

Andy Ibanez is making a strong case for the Texas Rangers 26-man roster this spring, while also not getting enough appreciation.

Will Cuban infielder Andy Ibanez finally break through in 2021?

The 28-year-old has been a career minor leaguer with the Texas Rangers to this point, but that doesn’t mean Ibanez hasn’t earned the chance to be on a big league roster.

In addition to his versatility all over the left side of the middle infield, Ibanez has hit well in limited at-bats this spring training.

The non-roster invitee has a 1.167 OPS in five at-bats in camp to this point, including a handful of starts.

If he keeps hitting at that clip (or anywhere close to it), it will be hard for the Texas Rangers to ignore him for much longer.

Ibanez could serve as one of the stopgap options at third base for the team until top prospect Josh Jung is seasoned enough to handle the big leagues, which presumably would be this summer.

Not enough people are talking about Andy Ibanez, even as some are finally catching onto this late bloomer’s potential.

It’s time we change that.

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