Texas Rangers: 3 key positions for the off-season

Catcher

When the Rangers traded for Jonathan Lucroy in 2016, they hoped they had a star catcher offensively and defensively. Instead, he slumped badly through the first half of 2017 and had only a .297 OBP when they traded him to Colorado at the deadline. Instead of an extension candidate, they were left with a hole to fill behind the plate.

Longtime backup catcher Robinson Chirinos defaulted into the starting job after the trade. By the time the season ended, he established himself as an on-base and power threat. His 11% walk rate is nice, but add 10 HBP in only 309 PA to his .255 BA and out comes a healthy .360 OBP. 17 HR drove his SLG up to .506 as well.

However, not many catchers become starters for the first time at age 33. Chirinos has never played more than 93 games in a season. He also comes with defensive question marks. He’s been a below average pitch framer is entire career according to Baseball Prospectus’ Framing Runs Above Average.

The Rangers must decide if Chirinos is worthy of the starting catching gig in 2018. Top free agents Alex Avila, Wellington Castillo, and Lucroy himself might not present better options. If they want to upgrade the position they may have to go the trade route.