Who said you can’t go home again? The Texas Rangers are giving Hunter Pence that opportunity to finally play for his hometown team.
There was a time when Hunter Pence was one of the more productive right fielders in baseball. His high energy approach to the game made him a fan favorite with the San Francisco Giants, as did his solid all around production. However, that production fell off over the past two seasons, leaving the injury plagued outfielder to struggle to a .249/.297/.368 batting line, with 17 homers and 24 doubles over 787 plate appearances.
Yet, Pence is not ready to call it a career. Instead, the soon to be 36 year old has worked to retool his swing, and even spent time in the Dominican Winter League. That work has led to a minor league deal with his hometown Texas Rangers, a potential low risk, high reward signing.
Hunter Pence gets 2M base plus 1.25M incentives on deal with hometown rangers
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) February 7, 2019
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In a small sample size with the Toros del Este in the Dominican Winter League, Pence showed some signs of promise. He had eight hits, including a double and a homer, in his 31 plate appearances, although he did strike out seven times. Yet, he looked healthy once again, and there were some signs that Pence could return to being close to the type of player that he once was.
His role with the Rangers, however, is a bit less clear. The outfield is seemingly set, with Joey Gallo, Nomar Maraza, and Delino Deshields Jr the likely starters. Former top prospect Willie Calhoun is also in the outfield mix, and the resurgent Shin-Soo Choo is the primary designated hitter.
Chances are, should Pence make the Rangers roster out of Spring Training, he would serve as a bench bat with the potential for some pop. He might see time in either of the outfield corners a couple of times a week, with the occasional start at DH. At this stage of his career, that may well be the perfect role.
The Texas Rangers have brought Hunter Pence home. This homecoming could be just what he needs to get his career back on track.