Willie Calhoun not free of Texas Rangers just yet

Willie Calhoun has made it very clear that he wants to leave the Texas Rangers. He demanded to be traded after he was sent down to Triple-A, disagreeing with the organization that he needs to adjust his swing. It is clear that once he gets the chance, he will be heading elsewhere.

It seemed as though that opportunity was coming. Calhoun had been designated for assignment to clear a spot on the 40 man roster for Steele Walker. Given his stature as a formerly well regarded prospect, and his having had some major league success, it seemed likely that someone would claim him on waivers.

Texas Rangers still have Willie Calhoun – for now

That did not happen. In what could be considered a surprise, Calhoun is still in the Rangers’ organization as he went unclaimed, toiling away with the Round Rock Express.

While one could have expected that Calhoun’s track record would have led to a chance elsewhere, his production in 2022 makes it somewhat unsurprising that he went unclaimed. Calhoun had posted a miserable .136/.283/.273 batting line in his 53 plate appearances, hitting three doubles and a homer. While he drew eight walks and struck out just six times, he did not make hard enough contact for that to matter.

His production did not exactly improve in Triple-A. Calhoun has posted a .221/.267/.397 batting line in his 75 plate appearances entering Saturday, a disappointing result for the former top prospect. While he has hit four homers, that is just about all that Calhoun has done.

It is fair to wonder if he will remain with the organization beyond this year. As he is already in arbitration, the Rangers may prefer to let him walk away rather than try to find a way to make it work. Calhoun could get that fresh start he wants elsewhere; it just may have to wait a bit longer than he expected.

Willie Calhoun is still a part of the Texas Rangers organization for now. His hoped-for fresh start elsewhere is going to have to wait.