MLB 21st century face of the franchise — Texas Rangers: Michael Young
The Rangers have possessed several plausible candidates for 21st century face, notably Josh Hamilton and Adrian Beltre. But for sheer consistency of performance, one name truly stands out.
Acquired from Toronto in July of 2000 when he was a minor leaguer, Michael Young blossomed into the most reliable and useful players in the 21st century history of the Rangers. Here’s the evidence in a sentence: Young ranks first in Rangers franchise history in games played, at-bats, hits, doubles, total bases and runs scored.
Young did it all despite never really having an identifiable position. He turned versatility into a strength, playing more than 400 games each at shortstop, third base and second base. Beginning as a shortstop in 2001, he slid primarily to second base in 2003, then to third base in 2009. In brief, he could do whatever the Rangers needed.
Across a dozen seasons in Texas, Young batted .300 or better seven times, finishing his career precisely at that mark. He topped 100 RBI twice, and although never a prodigious power threat he did top 20 home runs four times.
He was a seven-time All-Star selectee, including six seasons in succession between 2004 and 2009. Despite never being identified with any single position, he won a Gold Glove in 2008 as a shortstop.
In the wings: Few young players have as much potential as Rangers outfielder Adolis Garcia. There’s a significant contact problem — Garcia has fanned 377 times since the start of the 2021 season. But he’s also hit 58 home runs with 191 RBI, and he’s only now hitting his peak.