Texas Rangers Ian Desmond Bounce Back Season Explored

It was a match born out of necessity and mild reluctance. The Texas Rangers, who never got much involved in the pursuit of more prominent free agent outfielders this past winter, played the long-game when searching for an upgrade at the position.

Meanwhile, Desmond made a disastrous miscalculation in declining the Nationals 15.8 million dollar qualifying offer. Injury was added to insult when that qualifying offer limited Desmond’s negotiating leverage, as few were willing to give up the compensatory draft pick and international signing money that adorned his price tag. While a slew of other teams including the Rockies and White Sox are now ruing their inaction on Desmond, the Rangers are happy they ultimately pulled the trigger.

The most noteworthy aspect of the signing at the time, aside from its shocking proximity to their spring training opener, was the position change Desmond had agreed to. A shortstop his entire professional career, he was now headed to the outfield.  It is, in hindsight, a move that may have served him well had it been made earlier in his career.

For while Desmond always seemed to possess the raw tools to be a reliably fielding shortstop, what he provided in athleticism and instincts he more than gave back in shoddy hands and inconsistent throwing precision. The outfield has proven to be a more fortuitous dwelling for the still-athletic 30 year old. For the first time in his career he is a plus defender across all metrics. Despite a shift from left to center earlier this spring, Desmond has remained consistent; entering play Friday he was a +4 in defensive runs saved, and +5.9 in UZR. By contrast, he was a collective -20 DFS and -7.3 UZR during his six plus years as the Nationals shortstop.

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