3 Texas Rangers who absolutely must come through in 2022

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Sep 13, 2021; Arlington, Texas, USA; Texas Rangers starting pitcher Spencer Howard (31) throws a pitch in the first inning against the Houston Astros at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /

Time is ticking on the whole “give the young guys a chance” thing as the Texas Rangers inch closer and closer to contention.

No doubt this was a prudent strategy in 2021 when the team was clearly in the middle of a rebuild and trying to evaluate their assets. And some of this will continue in 2022 as the transition to winning baseball unfolds.

But as the 2023 goal to return to competitive baseball approaches, that means less time for some of these assets to get a chance to prove themselves at the game’s highest level, especially as the Rangers keep eyeing big names like Corey Seager and Marcus Semien. Those type of signings are meant to expedite the process.

Here are three players that must make the most of the 2022 season.

3 Texas Rangers who have to come through in 2022

Spencer Howard

Once the top prospect in the Philadelphia Phillies organization, Spencer Howard was acquired by the Texas Rangers in a mid-season trade that sent Kyle Gibson, Ian Kennedy and Hans Crouse to Citizens Bank Park.

It was a move that seemed like a head-scratcher, and quite frankly, it still is. It’s evident the Rangers valued Howard’s prospect pedigree and raw talent, but that talent has not surfaced at the MLB level yet.

In 21.1 innings with Texas last season, Howard posted a 9.70 ERA. Though he did have 21 strikeouts in those 21.1 innings, that ERA figure is hideous. Of course, that’s a small sample size, so it’s best not to overreact, but it still isn’t pretty.

The Rangers have some really intriguing young pitchers on the rise in their farm system like Jack Leiter, Cole Winn, Ricky Vanasco, Owen White, T.K. Roby and others worth a look like Glenn Otto, A.J. Alexy (both of whom saw big league time in 2021), Cody Bradford and Yerry Rodriguez.

It’s not as if Texas is completely beholden to Howard, but he must tap into his potential in 2022 if he wants to be a part of this team going forward. The Rangers believe he can, or they wouldn’t have made that deal with the Phillies.

Leody Taveras

Leody Taveras needs to show he can be the Texas Rangers’ long-term center fielder

Leody Taveras, professional baseball player and certified Call of Duty assassin.

All jokes aside, this is a really important season for Taveras, who can prove that he’s the center fielder of the future for the Texas Rangers.

We’ve been waiting for that emergence ever since his 2020 debut that saw him burst out of the gate to look like a franchise cornerstone. But it hasn’t come yet.

After winning a roster spot out of spring training in 2021, Taveras struggled badly and ended up spending a large portion of the season in the minors before being re-called late.

Taveras has the raw tools and potential to reach a Byron Buxton-type of level as a player. He’s that dynamic with his bat, speed and glove. The knock on Buxton, of course, is his health. The knock on Taveras is his inability to tap into that talent well, much like Spencer Howard.

If the 23-year-old can kick into high gear with an opportunity in 2022, it would go a long way towards solving the Texas Rangers’ outfield woes. Otherwise, he’s running out of time to figure it out, in Arlington at least.

Willie Calhoun

Health is the only obstacle standing in the way of Willie Calhoun’s must-have breakout year in 2022 with the Texas Rangers

It feels like Willie Calhoun appears on these kinds of lists every year, and it’s so unfortunate because we know the talent is there. But he can’t stay healthy to save his life.

A lot of his injuries seem to be freak ones, like being hit with pitches, and the nature of those injuries keep him out for extended periods of time.

The Texas Rangers certainly could’ve non-tendered Calhoun before the lockout, but opted to keep him around, a sign that they intend to give him one last chance in 2022.

Calhoun has the ability to hit 20 homers every year and a be solid lineup contributor, primarily as a DH. That can be valuable to any team, so the Rangers would rather him produce for them then have to send him packing to another organization. But if it comes down to a matter of health once again in 2022, I’m afraid Calhoun isn’t for long in Texas. And that would be a shame, because he’s a great person and fun to watch on the field.

Next. 3 Rangers trades with the Rays. dark

The Rangers are improving steadily. They’ll be even better in 2022 and answer some big long-term questions if they can get production from Spencer Howard, Leody Taveras and Willie Calhoun.

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