This Texas Rangers duo has the first pair of 20-20 seasons since 2009

If there’s one thing we know for certain about the 2022 Texas Rangers, it’s that their lineup is pretty formidable.

This observation is reinforced by the achievements of second baseman Marcus Semien and outfielder Adolis Garcia this season, both of whom have recorded 20-20 seasons (20 home runs, 20 stolen bases) for the first time in their respective careers. How awesome is that?

Just to contextualize this feat, Semien and Garcia are the first pair of Texas Rangers to have 20-20 seasons in the same year since 2009, when Nelson Cruz and Ian Kinsler did it. It should be noted that both of those players had 30-30 seasons that year, and while 30-30 is still on the table for Semien and Garcia in 2022… don’t count on it.

Marcus Semien and Adolis Garcia have each recorded 20-20 seasons for the Texas Rangers in 2022

Nonetheless, it’s impressive to have one 20-20 guy in your lineup, let alone two. This, combined with the emergence of Nathaniel Lowe and the power onslaught of Corey Seager, has made the Rangers lineup potent in 2022, while setting up to look even better in 2023 with prospects like Josh Jung ready to go.

It’s surprising that this is Semien’s first-ever 20-20 campaign, given that he’s been in the league since 2013. With the Blue Jays in 2021, he was a top MVP vote-getter while smashing 45 bombs and driving in 102 runs, but swiped just 15 bags. The 20 (and counting) he has with the Texas Rangers represents a career high, and his power stroke has returned, representing a more well-rounded player. After a slow start this season, this is the Marcus Semien the Rangers payed $175 million for.

As for Garcia, he has shown improvement in his game this season as well, coming off a recent 21-game hit streak. His 20+ home runs and 20+ stolen bases are a testament to his tools and he’s even managed to raise his batting average and OPS a few points while dropping his strikeout totals. That’s a recipe for long-term success and the Rangers may truly have a diamond in the rough with “El Bombi”.

The sky is the limit for this team if they can get their pitching staff in order. The Texas Rangers lineup, anchored by Marcus Semien and Adolis Garcia, is already in pretty good shape.