Texas Rangers: Predicting the Opening Day lineup at Kansas City

It’s almost here, Texas Rangers fans! Opening Day is so close that we can smell it, taste it, feel it or *insert emotion here*.

However you’re feeling (hopefully something positive), it’s sure to all come together by April 1.

2020 was rough for the Texas Rangers, finishing in last place in the AL West with a league worst 22-38 record over the shortened season.

Texas is looking to improve at least marginally in all aspects, but especially with the bats, where they were one of the worst offensive teams in all of baseball last season.

With some unexpected studs and lamentable duds swinging the lumber this spring, here’s our best shot at predicting the Texas Rangers’ Opening Day lineup.

Texas Rangers Opening Day lineup prediction: Top of the order

1. SS Isiah Kiner-Falefa

Leody Taveras was the penciled in leadoff hitter to begin the spring, but his struggles at camp were quite pronounced, leading him to lose his leadoff spot and, at one point, his roster spot altogether.

The Rangers have been batting SS Isiah Kiner-Falefa in the leadoff spot throughout spring training and getting results from him, with a .371/.450/1.021 slash line in 35 at-bats. He looks to remain there for now.

2. LF David Dahl

Injuries are always an issue for David Dahl, but never productivity while on the field. Dahl is a decent No. 2 hitter with a .321/.394/.858 slash line in 28 spring at-bats. He fits in nicely behind IKF and gets big time protection from the hitter behind him.

3. RF Joey Gallo

I don’t think there’s much explaining to do with this one. The name Joey Gallo speaks for itself and him batting third in the Rangers order should get him more at-bats, something Chris Woodward has stressed.