Texas Rangers: 2018 just the beginning of a painful rebuild
By David Hill
The Texas Rangers offense was offensive
It was easy to find offense in the Texas Rangers offense last year. Quite simply, no one could hit the ball with any consistency, leading to a disastrous performance.
The problem is, there are not a lot of areas that the Rangers looked competent last year. Jurickson Profar settled into a super utility role well, but may end up as the Rangers every day third baseman with the retirement of Adrian Beltre. Joey Gallo could also end up back at his original position at third, but he has seemingly found a home at left. Shin-Soo Choo made his first All Star Game last year, and was the Rangers best hitter, but is someone that the Rangers would love to trade, given the two years and $42 million left on his contract.
There are solid pieces in the lineup. Ronald Guzman showed promise in his first full season, hitting 16 homers and posting an 87 OPS+. Nomar Mazara continued to show improvement, and hit 20 homers for the third consecutive season. Also 23 years old, he still has plenty of time to develop into a middle of the order presence. Rougned Odor may be best remembered for his punch to Jose Bautista‘s chin these days, but he is not that far removed from a stellar 2016 campaign, and will only be 25 years old at the start of the 2019 season. Likewise, Elvis Andrus could return to the levels he displayed back in 2016 and 2017 before struggling through an injury plagued season last year.
That is not to say that the Rangers do not have holes in the lineup. Delino Deshields may be best suited as a fourth outfielder, but was the starter in center by default. Willie Calhoun just cannot seem to find a place in the lineup, and has struggled when given the chance. Isiah Kiner-Falefa became the Rangers catcher out of necessity, but may not be ready to step into the role on a full time basis.
The Texas Rangers lineup could be better next year without much help. However, they need quite a few players to return to form.