4. Ronald Guzman, 1B
Birthday (age on opening day 2018): 10/20/1994 (23)
2017 teams/levels played for: AAA Round Rock Express
2017 Stats: .298/.372/.434, 527 PA, 12 HR, 4 SB, 47/85 BB/K
Info: Guzman was a big signing in 2011 when the Texas Rangers plucked him out of the Dominican Republic. He’s always had the body to make scouts drool, and he finally started to hit with the power many saw in his 6’5″, 220-230 pound frame in 2017.
Even with improvements in his power, Guzman is still a guy who is more of a contact guy than a power guy. He has an excellent swing for a guy with arms as long as he has, able to make solid contact throughout the strike zone.
Even with improvements in his power, Guzman is still a guy who is more of a contact guy than a power guy
Better evaluation of the strike zone was a big part of the improvement seen in Guzman in 2017. He had one of his best walk rates in his pro career, and he was able to cut down his strikeouts at the same time.
While he has shown more doubles power and 15-20 home run power as a minor leaguer, many have seen that turn into much more at the major league level in recent years, and Guzman could certainly be the next to do just that.
He should open in AAA in 2018, but if Joey Gallo struggles at first base, or the DH spot is not hitting in the Texas Rangers lineup, do not be surprised to see Guzman get his shot at the big league club.
3. Hans Crouse, RHP
Birthday (age on opening day 2018): 9/15/1998 (19)
2017 teams/levels played for: Arizona Rookie League Rangers
2017 Stats: 10 G, 6 GS, 20 IP, 0.45 ERA, 0.70 WHIP, 9.5% BB, 40.5% K
Info: Crouse was one of the biggest names of the summer showcase season in 2016, with his raw stuff and bulldog mentality on the mound. The California prep righty did have some concerns due to his delivery, and that allowed the Texas Rangers to snag him in the 2nd round of the 2017 draft.
Crouse has a delivery that does not look like you’d teach to a young pitcher, but he repeats it, and when broken down, the impact points on his joints are quite minimal within the delivery. It may not be pretty, but his delivery is not likely to be the reason that Crouse will be struggling down the road.
Working with a fastball that can touch 99, Crouse has big velocity, but it’s the wicket spin on the fastball that makes it tough on hitters. Add in his hard, sharp slider, and hitters really had little chance in high school. His change has elite movement, but he has not used it a lot to this point.
Crouse could be the next dominant starter for the Rangers, but they will need to handle him with intentionality, not pushing him beyond where he is ready. He will likely open in full-season ball in 2018.
Next: #1 and #2