Texas Rangers: Predicting the 2022 outfielders before free agency

At the beginning of 2021, the Texas Rangers looked like they had one of the teams most powerful outfield groups in baseball.  Led by Joey Gallo, the Rangers added David Dahl and Adolis Garcia to the outfield mix.

By the trade deadline, Gallo and Dahl were gone, and the Rangers outfield quickly became a weak spot in the organization, outside of Garcia.

Here is a look at the internal candidates for outfield positions prior to the beginning of free agency.

Previewing the 2022 Texas Rangers outfield

Adolis Garcia

• Age: 28
• Undrafted: Cuba

2021 Stats

• GP: 149
• HR: 31
• RBI: 90
• SB: 16
• AVG: .243

Adolis Garcia was traded to Texas by the St. Louis Cardinals in December 2019.  Even though Garcia was the star of the 2021 Spring Training, he didn’t make the Opening Day Roster.  Ten games into the season, Garcia was recalled and he ended up leading the Rangers in most offensive categories.  He was also named a finalist for American League Rookie of the Year.  Garcia’s power is evident but he is also an outstanding defender.  Look for Garcia to anchor the Texas offense again in 2022.

DJ Peters

• Age: 25
• Draft: 4th Round, 131st Overall in 2016 by Los Angeles Dodgers

2021 Stats

• GP: 70
• HR: 13
• RBI: 38
• SB: 2
• AVG: .197

DJ Peters was acquired by the Rangers when he was claimed off waivers from the Los Angeles Dodgers.  Prior to making his MLB debut, Peters played parts of five seasons in the Dodgers MILB organization.  In 505 games, Peters compiled a .266 AVG, 96 HR, 290, RBI, 12 SB.  Peters struggled hitting for average during his rookie season in the MLB.  In 2021, Peters showed some power and he made several outstanding defensive plays in the outfield.  He will likely be given an opportunity to continue to grow with the inexperienced Rangers outfield.

Leody Taveras

• Age: 23
• Undrafted: Dominican Republic

2021 Stats

• GP: 49
• HR: 3
• RBI: 9
• SB: 10
• AVG: .161

Leody Taveras has played five seasons of MILB, all with the Texas organization.  In 557 games, Taveras has complied a .258 AVG, 36 HR, 242 RBI, 102 SB.  Taveras has the defensive skills to play in the MLB full-time.  After two partial seasons in Texas, Taveras needs to prove that he has the bat to stay in the majors.  If Taveras impresses during Spring Training, he should be named the centerfielder for Opening Day.

Eli White

• Age: 27
• Draft: 11th Round, 322nd Overall in 2016 by Oakland Athletics

2021 Stats

• GP: 64
• HR: 6
• RBI: 15
• SB: 4
• AVG: .177

Eli White was acquired by Texas in December 2018 as part of the package for Jurickson Profar.  In parts of five season in MILB, White has compiled a .280 AVG, 32 HR, 170 RBI, 59 SB in 446 games.  In limited playing time covering 83 games over the last two seasons, White has struggled to hit and get on base.  A right elbow strain halted White’s 2021 campaign when he was placed on the 10-day injured list in August and subsequently the 60-day injured list in September.  If White outplays Taveras in Spring Training, he could be penciled into the Rangers Opening Day lineup in center field.

Willie Calhoun

• Age: 26
• Draft: 4th Round, 132nd Overall in 2015 by Los Angeles Dodgers

2021 Stats

• GP: 75
• HR: 6
• RBI: 25
• SB: 0
• AVG: .250

Willie Calhoun was acquired from the Los Angeles Dodgers in July 2017 when he was a part of the Yu Darvish trade.  Calhoun has played in parts of six MILB seasons.  In 489 games, Calhoun has compiled a .288 AVG, 86 HR, 308 RBI, 11 SB.  In 235 games with the Texas Rangers, Calhoun has hit 31 HR, 101 RBI and hit for a .247 average.  In order to earn a full-time job with the Rangers, Calhoun needs to stay healthy.  The most games he has played in with the Rangers were 83 games during the 2019 season when he hit 21 home runs.  With a lack of range in the outfield, Calhoun is going to be pressed by Sam Huff and Yohel Pozo for playing time at the DH position.

Final Thoughts

Currently, the outfield position has limited depth.  Most of the top outfield prospects are at least one or two years away from competing for a job with the Texas Rangers.  Steele Walker (#21 in MLB Prospect Rankings) and Bubba Thompson (#28) may be in the mix at some point in 2022.  Look for top outfield prospect Evan Carter (#9) to push for a job by 2024.