Sam Travis
Spring stats: 6-for-13, .533 OBP, 1.149 OPS, 0 HRs, 2 Ks
The Texas Rangers have tossed Sam Travis into the first base mix this spring. The 26-year-old was acquired in January from the Boston Red Sox in exchange for left-handed pitcher Jeffrey Springs. Travis played 111 games for the Red Sox from 2017-2019. He started 38 games at first base and 14 games in the outfield over that span.
Texas expressed intrigue in Travis by not only trading for him but extending him a spring training invite. He’s a right-handed swinger who can hit for power. He could platoon with left-hander Ronald Guzman at 1B; he could platoon with left-handed-hitting left fielder Willie Calhoun. Of course, Travis’ effective role will be reevaluated with Calhoun sidelined for an open-ended period.
He offsets the inexperience of the other left-field candidates. Not to say Travis has notable big-league experience, but he has more than Heineman and Garcia put together. He also has experience playing at the high-pressure scene of Boston’s Fenway Park, which presents a very challenging outfield layout.
Travis fits enough needs to give him a strong chance to break camp with the Texas Rangers. His chances have grown after Sunday’s injury news.