Nolan Writin'
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How the Texas Rangers stack up against the AL West heading into 2022

By Chris Bachman

Oct 1, 2021; Arlington, Texas, USA; Texas Rangers third baseman Andy Ibanez (77) celebrates with catcher Jose Trevino (23) after scoring during the second inning against the Cleveland Indians at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 1, 2021; Arlington, Texas, USA; Texas Rangers third baseman Andy Ibanez (77) celebrates with catcher Jose Trevino (23) after scoring during the second inning against the Cleveland Indians at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /
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Texas Rangers IKF
Aug 23, 2021; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Texas Rangers shortstop Isiah Kiner-Falefa (9) reacts after scoring during the tenth inning against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports /

Third Base

  1. Alex Bregman, HOU
  2. Anthony Rendon, LAA
  3. Isiah Kiner-Falefa, TEX
  4. Matt Chapman, OAK
  5. Abraham Toro, SEA

For a position that’s highly contested in baseball, this one is a bit all over the place.

Bregman had a…good (?) year in ’21 before his injuries. Rendon has been a disappointment in LA after his contract, unable to play even 60 games either year, but remains a threat to be a top 10 third baseman when healthy.

Kiner-Falefa may not even be the opening day starter at 3rd for the Texas Rangers, but until Josh Jung is, it’s his to lose. Chapman following the light hitting IKF may seem a bit of a “homer” decision but his hitting has declined 3 consecutive years and his defense isn’t good enough to out dual the 2020 Gold Glover. Seattle, meanwhile, has Toro listed as their starting 3rd baseman but are in hot pursuit of an upgrade in free agency.

Shortstop

  1. Corey Seager, TEX
  2. JP Crawford, SEA
  3. Aledmys Diaz, HOU
  4. Elvis Andrus, OAK
  5. Luis Rengifo, LAA

Easiest. decision. Ever. Yeah, that’s a little bit of the Texas Rangers fan in me but also LOOK. Corey Seager is by far the best current shortstop in the division.

Seattle has a good player in JP Crawford but he’s got a lot of growing to do now that he has a full-time gig.

If the Astros don’t make a SS move in free agency (Story?) then Diaz is a capable replacement.

Andrus will likely finish his career in Oakland unless they can trade him. He’s not the player he once was for Texas. LAA meanwhile will run out Rengifo, who will need to earn his spot. Again, look at Mayfield as an option.

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