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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 Adolis Garcia
Aug 19, 2021; Arlington, Texas, USA; Texas Rangers right fielder Adolis Garcia (53) celebrates hitting a home run during the sixth inning against the Seattle Mariners at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

Left Field

  1. Michael Brantley, HOU
  2. Justin Upton, LAA
  3. Chad Pinder, OAK
  4. Jake Fraley, SEA
  5. Eli White, TEX

The left field position in the division is a mess. Brantley is the runaway here and that’s not debatable.

The fact that Upton, who has fallen off the map, is second, says it all.

Pinder will fill in for Canha in Oakland but look for Seth Brown to push for a spot. Fraley will probably be replaced in Seattle as well.

White MAY not even be the worst on the list but he may not even start either.  Leody Taveras will have a say and an upgrade in free agency is likely.

Center Field

  1. Mike Trout, LAA
  2. Ramon Laureano, OAK
  3. Adolis Garcia, TEX
  4. Jarred Kelenic, SEA
  5. Jake Meyers, HOU

Mike Trout. duh.

Laureano, meanwhile, will be coming back from suspension and how he plays coming back will be a big indicator of where he ends up next year on the list. Bleacher Report has Adolis just ahead of Laureano but even the homer in me can’t do that after the post-All-Star game collapse.

Kelenic was a highly thought of prospect who struggled with the jump to the bigs but could emerge as a constant in Seattle’s lineup. Meyers will man center in Houston but Jose Siri could surprise as he did in the World Series.

Right Field

  1. Kyle Tucker, HOU
  2. Mitch Haniger, SEA
  3. Kole Calhoun, TEX
  4. Brandon Marsh, LAA
  5. Stephen Piscotty, OAK

Kyle Tucker is far and away the favorite here, but that’s not saying much. This is a very…average to below average group.

Haniger is a nice power bat who ended up being the 3rd best player in the sleepy city.

Calhoun is a poor man’s Haniger, with some power to be had and defense but not much more. He could end up as the DH and primarily ranks ahead of Marsh because of his experience.

Marsh had a nice rookie year but will be battling with Jo Adell for an outfield spot. Piscotty, meanwhile, hasn’t been much more than a role player due to a string of terrible events and injuries. Look for Seth Brown to see a lot of playing time here as well.

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