3 players that make the Texas Rangers’ DH dilemma a good one to have

With the emergence of Adolis García and the returns of Khris Davis and Willie Calhoun coming, the Texas Rangers will have a complicated rotation of DH options.

Adolis García has become one of the most exciting Texas Rangers to watch over his first few games of the 2021 season, leading to speculation over who will get a majority of the DH at-bats.

With Willie Calhoun ramping up at Round Rock and Khris Davis right around the corner, the Texas Rangers are going to have to make some tough decisions in the upcoming weeks.

First and foremost, I don’t see a plausible solution to keeping all three on the roster. Assuming they did, and with the players on the 25-man roster currently, the Rangers would be looking at seven active outfielders.

If any or all of these guys make the roster, one of Eli White or Leody Taveras will be sent back to minors. If they opt to stick with the youngsters, Davis could see a designation or straight release.

Right now though, we’re going to make a case for three candidates.

Texas Rangers’ DH: Willie Calhoun

There isn’t a more deserving player in the Rangers’ organization than Willie Calhoun to get regular major league at-bats.

This kid has been to hell and back with all of the unfortunate injuries he has suffered since his debut in 2017, and has earned the right to be an everyday big leaguer.

Calhoun has yet to find any consistency at the game’s highest level, though, finding the most success in 2019.

During that season, he only played in 83 games due to injury and unnecessary demotions, but hit .269, swatted 21 homers and walked 23 times. His 53 strikeouts were a bit of a concern, though.

However, he was a .289 minor league hitter with 86 homers, 304 driven in and 11 stolen bases to boot.

The 26-year old outfielder has had his ups-and-downs within the Texas organization, but has matured exponentially and gotten himself into incredible shape, losing 24 pounds after the 2018 season.

However the roster shakes up, Willie Calhoun will definitely be in the Texas Rangers’ future plans and will get his opportunity to become a mainstay in Arlington.

Texas Rangers’ DH: Khris Davis

Khris Davis’ spring with the Texas Rangers definitely didn’t go the way he or the organization had planned.

After struggling mightily out of the gates, Davis finally found his power surge late in spring training, only to be halted by an unfortunate quad injury on a sacrifice bunt.

Typically not a bunter, Chris Woodward complimented the veteran outfielder’s approach and willingness to do whatever it took to help the Rangers get a win.

However, a .219 spring average is nothing to call home about. Neither is his career average of .243.

The one thing the Texas Rangers have needed for a long time, though, is a Khris Davis-type hitter to protect Joey Gallo in the lineup.

The one thing, in my mind, that will keep Davis on this roster is his contract situation, and the Rangers having to pay him $16 million this season.

Keep in mind, they are eating all of Rougned Odor’s contract, a majority of Elvis Andrus’ contract and Davis’ remaining salary. Fortunately for Texas, Khris Davis’ money comes off the books at the conclusion of the season.

When it comes to at-bats, Chris Woodward said that he’d be willing to move Davis around and find a place for him to play, including first base.

If the Rangers can tap into the Khris Davis of 2018, there is no reason for him not to be in the everyday lineup, especially if he puts out a fifth .247 batting average with 40 homers.

If not, a 33-year old aging outfielder on a rebuilding team is not an ideal use for a roster spot when younger guys like Eli White, Adolis García and Leody Taveras are waiting for consistent at-bats.

Regardless, Khris Davis won’t be in Arlington very long, and if that means he gets consistent DH at-bats this year, he won’t be getting them here next year.