Texas Rangers: Who Will Be the Team’s Designated Hitter in 2017?

Joey Gallo and Ryan Rua

Unlike the rest of the players on this list, both of these hitters are currently a part of the Rangers organization. Joey Gallo and Ryan Rua have both spent time on the major league roster, but neither has been able to carve out an everyday starting role.

Gallo, 23, was once one of the top prospects in baseball because of his plus power. Many had projected that Gallo could be a 40-plus long ball guy one day, but all of this potential has not been realized just yet. Like many high volume power hitters, the left-hander struggles with strikeouts and plate discipline. He’s only appeared in 53 games as Ranger, but he’s struck out 76 times in those contests. As a minor leaguer, he has done a good job of producing walks (304 in 485 games), but that hasn’t fully translated at the next level. His batting average leaves a lot to be desired, even though his power potential is the main draw of his game. He will get a chance this spring to continue to prove himself, but his standing in the Rangers’ plans is not as firm as it once was.

Rua, 27 in March, has had a little more success in the bigs, appearing in 99 games in 2016. He posted a respectable .331 on-base percentage and a .400 slugging percentage. He was also able to hit eight home runs and doubles apiece. He bats from the right side, which would give Gallo a solid platoon partner if Jon Daniels opts not to dip his toe into the free agent market.

Both have played first base and the outfield at some point in their professional careers, so they could also give the likes of Shin-Soo Choo or Jurickson Profar some relief. However, it looks like Gallo and Rua’s main role would be at designated hitter if the regular season were to start today.