Texas Rangers: Charlie Culberson has been invaluable to this team

When the Texas Rangers signed utility infielder Charlie Culberson to a minor-league contract during the off-season, no one really knew what to expect out of the journeyman.

Debuting with the SF Giants in 2012 and spending time in Colorado, Los Angeles (with the Dodgers) and Atlanta, Culberson turned into a useful but primarily bench player in each of those stops.

The 32-year-old has never had an OPS higher than .792 over a full-season his career and only has 25 home runs to his name.

His impact has been felt in more ways than just one in those places, though, as a leader and as a clutch hitter (hence the nickname “Charlie Clutch“).

More from Nolan Writin'

• Framework for a potential Max Fried trade to the Texas Rangers
• Early 2023 MLB mock draft has Texas Rangers selecting an Ohtani-lite
• 3 Texas Rangers outfield trade targets not named Bryan Reynolds
• Did Jacob deGrom really mean what he said at his Texas Rangers press conference?
• Where do Texas Rangers prospects Jack Leiter and Kumar Rocker stand after the DeGrom signing?

Being a leader and hitting in the clutch are intangibles that can’t be quantified. The Rangers are lucky to have a player in Culberson who does both aptly.

Culberson came into Texas Rangers camp in 2021 prepared and ready to win a job, which he did.

The signing is looking like a wise investment for the team.

It’s only been 16 games, but “The Avenger” (more on that later), is already outpacing his career bests this season, with a .797 OPS in 31 at-bats. His .281 on-base percentage leaves much to be desired, but he also gets limited at-bats to try and get on base in the first place.

Culberson also has two home runs on the season. His career high is 12, which he set back in 2018 with the Braves. If he continues to get regular playing time in Texas (which he should), there’s a strong possibility he could surpass that mark.

Charlie Culberson has been better than the Texas Rangers ever could’ve anticipated.

Culberson has also been valuable with the leather, having flashed his glove multiple times this season, including this highlight reel play from Sunday’s win over the Baltimore Orioles.

It’s those types of hustle plays that really illustrate Culberson’s worth to this team.

Oh, by the way, he also happens to be the Texas Rangers’ resident Marvel Avenger!

Culberson’s passion for the MCU is something that many fans can relate to and appreciate about the veteran utility infielder.

The dark, flowing locks can’t hurt his popularity with the fanbase either.

The Georgia native should continue to see playing time this season even as the Texas Rangers decide to call up top prospect Josh Jung to eventually play third base, where Culberson has been seeing most of his action to this point.

Even if the 32-year-old is relegated to more of a bench role by mid-season, it’s a job he has embraced and performed quite adeptly over the course of his career.

Regardless of Culberson’s role on the Texas Rangers, one thing is clear: his presence and contributions to this team have been nothing short of invaluable.