Call to the pen
Fansided

MLB: Ranking the Top 10 Lineups for 2017

By Travis Koch

Oct 11, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Washington Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper (34) reacts after a called third strike in the third inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers during game four of the 2016 NLDS playoff baseball series at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 11, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Washington Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper (34) reacts after a called third strike in the third inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers during game four of the 2016 NLDS playoff baseball series at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 11
Next

#9 Texas Rangers

Despite losing Prince Fielder to a career ending injury last season, the Texas Rangers appear to be just as good as when the big man was part of the lineup. Much thanks to the emergence of slugger Rougned Odor. Odor will take part in the middle of the Rangers lineup in the upcoming season. He, alongside Mike Napoli and the ageless Adrian Beltre, will be the team’s primary power threats.

The Rangers batting order is characterized by depth. The one through nine bunch could be considered the deepest lineup in MLB. Jonathan Lucroy is expected to bat sixth in the order. He could easily be a top five hitter in the majority of major league lineups. Texas has even bigger expectations for the supremely talented Nomar Mazara in his sophomore season. And don’t forget about the revived Elvis Andrus. Andrus will look to follow-up on a .302 batting average from 2016.

Projected Lineup

  1. Carlos Gomez
  2. Shin Soo-Choo
  3. Adrian Beltre
  4. Mike Napoli
  5. Rougned Odor
  6. Jonathan Lucroy
  7. Nomar Mazara
  8. Elvis Andrus
  9. Joey Gallo (although likely Jurickson Profar)

Player to Watch

Speaking of Jurickson Profar…the Rangers have been outspoken about their continued faith in their former top prospect. He may not have a guaranteed spot in the lineup entering the season, but he’ll likely earn it. Texas is stoked to see what Profar can make of a healthy season. A stellar 2017 from Jurickson Profar would make the Rangers lineup even deeper. His versatility and professionalism in the lineup is tough to match.

Home/Baltimore Orioles