After an abysmal 2018, the Texas Rangers took major strides of improvement in 2019. Here are three players that could help the team take the next step in 2020.
The Texas Rangers finished 78-84, third in the AL West. Despite having a losing record, this was much better than their 2018 last-place finish.
They competed in one of the most competitive divisions in baseball. Both the Houston Astros and the Oakland A’s made the playoffs, as well as having to play Mike Trout 19 times a season.
This was also their first season without future-Hall-of-Famer Adrian Beltre. From 2011 to 2018, the third baseman hit 199 home runs, drove in 699 runs and batted .304 over eight seasons. While in Texas, he won three gold gloves, adding to his previous two to make five for his career. He was also awarded to Silver Sluggers.
He was their franchise centerpiece for most of this decade. The team is still missing his presence, both in their lineup and in the clubhouse. He was an exemplary third baseman and will be elected into Cooperstown when his time comes.
Being in the same division as the Houston Astros is going to be an obstacle for at least the next couple of seasons. However, the Rangers have established talent and money to spend. This free agency is a huge turning point for their franchise. Here are three moves the Texas Rangers could make this offseason.