Texas Rangers’ Ian Desmond signing could thwart Joey Gallo in 2016

Nothing was set in stone, but it seemed like Texas Rangers prospect Joey Gallo would get a real chance to establish himself on the MLB stage in 2016. The team’s signing of Ian Desmond could complicate the matter.

The Rangers inked Ian Desmond to a one-year, $8 million contract, finally ending the veteran shortstop’s long winter of uncertainty after he declined the Washington Nationals’ qualifying offer. The 30-year-old, who will be entering his eighth big league season, will likely try his hand at an unfamiliar position in the Lone Star State.

Desmond will reportedly become the Rangers’ starting left fielder amidst the recent news that Josh Hamilton would begin the year on the disabled list. And considering the 34-year-old Hamilton’s waning performance of late, Texas presumably decided it needed some reinforcement at the position.

Some believed that reinforcement could come in the form of minor league slugger Joey Gallo. The youngster received a brief look from the club at the major league level last year and predictably struggled, slashing .204/.301/.417 with six home runs and 14 RBIs in 36 games.

Though he certainly flashed some of the raw power that made him such a coveted prospect, he also demonstrated the lack of plate discipline that has been the chief criticism throughout his development. Gallo struck out 57 times in 123 plate appearances for an alarming 46.3 percent strikeout rate.

Gallo turned just 22 years old in November, giving him plenty of time to adjust his approach. And the routine feats of strength he performed in the Rangers farm system should definitely increase the club’s willingness to be patient. In 2013, his second year in the minors, Gallo swatted 40 homers and drove in 88 runs. He outdid himself the following season, belting 42 long balls while racking up 106 RBIs. That’s some eye-popping power for such a young player.

The 2016 campaign looked like a particularly good time for Gallo to get regular big league at-bats and make the necessary strides at the plate. He has experience playing third base and the outfield, meaning he could man left field while also subbing for Adrian Beltre at the hot corner when needed.

Desmond has made only two appearances in the outfield in his career, and they were in right field. Becoming an everyday left fielder will be a learning process for him, but the Rangers are evidently willing to accept that adjustment period rather than throw Gallo into the fire too soon.

Though Gallo’s aforementioned age is part of his appeal, it could also be a reason not to rush him. His woes were not limited to the major leagues last year. In 53 games at Triple-A Round Rock, Gallo posted a troubling .195/.289/.450 line.

Desmond’s slash line settled at a disappointing .233/.290/.384 in 2015, but he still offered something in the way of pop, contributing 19 home runs to the Nats’ cause last year. The Rangers are obviously hoping that a change of scenery and a move to hitter-friendly Globe Life Park could spark Desmond’s bat. A return to his 2012 production (.292/.335/.511, 25 HR, 73 RBI) is unlikely, but another 20 homers or so is a decent bet.

Next: Potential Breakout Players at Every Position

Whether it was the right decision to go with a veteran stopgap over a promising yet mostly unproven prospect remains to be seen. On a one-year deal, Desmond is hardly much of a commitment for Texas. If he struggles significantly, Gallo could end up getting his shot this year anyway. But for a young player who days ago looked like a potential rookie to watch in 2016, the path ahead seems a bit less clear.