Texas Rangers: Problem areas that need addressing going into 2022

Texas Rangers Holt — BALTIMORE, MD – SEPTEMBER 24: Brock Holt #16 of the Texas Rangers in position during a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on September 24, 2021 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)

Texas Rangers problem areas: Third Base

Third base has been a weakness since Adrian Beltre retired. The Rangers used six 3B in their starting lineups this year. They only mad 17 errors but, the group only hit for a .218 (AVG), 7 (HR), and 51 (RBI). The Texas hot corner is in desperate need of a full-time position player with high offensive upside who can also play good defensively.

Top infield prospect Josh Jung could develop into the player that is required for the hot corner. He has played parts of two minor league seasons (2019, 2021) and has made it all the way to AAA. He should be the starting 3B for the Rangers on Opening Day in 2022.

Here is a summary of the internal candidates for 3B roster spots in 2022.

Players who played 3B in 2021 (Bold are Currently on 40-Man Roster)

Charlie Culberson (57), Brock Holt (57), Yonny Hernandez (27), Andy Ibanez (10), Anderson Tejeda (5), Ryan Dorow (2)

Top Prospects (3)

#2 Josh Jung (AA/AAA)

#11 Davis Wendzel (ROK/AA/AAA)

#20 Sherten Apostel (ROK/AA/AAA)

2021 Statistics (3B)

AB: 647

Runs: 60

2B: 33

3B: 3

HR: 7

RBI: 51

SB: 24

AVG: .218

Texas Rangers problem areas: Third Base

Players who played 3B in 2021 (Bold are Currently on 40-Man Roster)

Top Prospects (3)

2021 Statistics (3B)

Schedule