Willie Calhoun finally leaves Texas Rangers behind

It may have been weeks after his request, but Willie Calhoun has finally gotten his wish to leave the Texas Rangers behind.

That moment finally came on Thursday. The Rangers sent Calhoun to the San Francisco Giants, with Steven Duggar coming back in return. Spenser Patton has been designated for assignment by the Rangers to make room on their 40 man roster for Duggar.

Willie Calhoun may finally tap into potential Texas Rangers could not

Calhoun had once been a top prospect, a major part of the Rangers return for Yu Darvish. However, he never quite found a role, nor lived up to his potential, in Texas. He eventually settled into left field, putting together a solid 110 OPS+ with 21 homers and 14 doubles in 337 plate appearances. As he was just 24 years old that year, it was fair to imagine he would only get better.

Instead, Calhoun fell apart. He managed just a 74 OPS+ in his 445 plate appearances from the beginning of the 2020 season through 2022, hitting eight homers and 15 doubles in 445 plate appearances. It was not a surprise that Calhoun was not only sent back to Triple-A, but outrighted off of the Rangers’ 40 man roster.

Everything had come to a head when the Rangers sent Calhoun back to the minors. They wanted him to work on his swing mechanics while he claimed there was nothing wrong and demanded a trade. While he did need more of an opportunity, it is difficult to argue that he deserved one.

Now he is with the perfect organization to help him tap into his potential. The Giants may have received more attention for their ability to revamp pitching, but they have also turned the likes of Wilmer Flores and Darin Ruf into viable major league options. If Calhoun is going to be receptive to coaching, the same could happen there. Being free of the Rangers is a good start.

Willie Calhoun has finally gotten his wish to be free of the Texas Rangers. He is getting a fresh start as part of the Giants’ organization.