Willie Calhoun
What to like
Calhoun’s size does not emit power; however, power is expected to be perhaps his greatest tool. He compares to Rangers second baseman Rougned Odor—similar in size, similar in power, but better bat control. Calhoun has progressed a minor league level per year. He knocked 27 homers at Double-A in 2016 and followed that up with a 31 home run season at Triple-A in 2017. He’s proved his power, though, what excites the Texas Rangers the most is his overall production at the plate.
Between Triple-A Oklahoma City with the Dodgers and Triple-A Round Rock with the Rangers, Willie Calhoun posted a clean .300 batting average, slugged .572, and reached base 57% of the time. Additionally, he nearly matched his walks with his strikeouts, walking 42 times to his 61 whiffs.
In summary, the man can flat-out hit. Every major league roster has room for guys that can flat-out hit.
What he needs to prove in 2018
Calhoun is a natural second baseman. Despite Rougned Odor performing at an atrocious level in 2017, the Texas Rangers are not anywhere close to giving up on Odor and handing second base to Calhoun.
Calhoun will have to learn to play left field in a major league capacity if he wants any substantial big league time this season. He has the athleticism to do it. He proved capable of playing a decent left field in his brief time with Texas last season.
Of course, his bat can easily sway the Rangers to be more lenient towards his defense. If Calhoun rakes this spring, it won’t matter if he drops five flay balls and pulls a Jose Canseco, he will be in the Rangers opening day lineup.
We see teams sacrifice defense for hitting all the time. The Cubs do it with Kyle Schwarber. The Orioles do it with Mark Trumbo. Heck, even Adam Dunn played some outfield to get his bat in the lineup. Willie Calhoun is more athletic than each of those guys. Therefore, he should have no trouble managing a new position. AS LONG AS HE HITS.