It is officially time to make the first roster prediction for the 2019 Texas Rangers.
With only a handful of spring training games in the books, there are players who have stood out. When it comes to actually making the roster there are factors that need to be considered. Before complaining about a certain player being left off, understand those circumstances. An example of this is Matt Davidson. Davidson is hitting .300 with 3 HR’s which is tied for most with Guzman and Odor. However, Davidson is here on a minor league deal with an invitation to big league camp. That means in order for him to make the team, he would need to be added to the major league roster.
More importantly, that means someone would have to be removed. But if he continues to produce at this level, that would create a tough decision by the Rangers. Davidson is unique in that he is also a relief pitcher. The same goes for players who have not had great springs. If a player on the 40 man roster is designated for assignment, the Rangers risk losing them to free agency. Someone who may just be having a bad spring.
With all that in mind, here is the first go at roster predictions…
ROTATION
Mike Minor, Lance Lynn, Drew Smyly, Edison Volquez, Shelby Miller
BULLPEN
Jessie Chavez, Connor Sadzeck, Chris Martin, Zack McAllister, Kyle Bird, Shawn Kelley
CLOSER
Jose Leclerc
INFIELD
Asdrubal Cabrera, Elvis Andrus, Roughned Odor, Ronald Guzman, Patrick Wisdom
OUTFIELD
Joey Gallo, Delino Deshields, Nomar Mazara, Willie Calhoun, Hunter Pence
CATCHER
Jeff Mathis, Isiah Kiner-Falefa
DH
Shin-Soo Choo
PLAYERS WHO COULD MAKE THIS CHANGE
Jeffrey Springs, Jordan Romano, Brett Martin, C.D. Pelham, Yohander Mendez, Arial Jurado
Jose Trevino, Carlos Tocci, Matt Davidson, Zack Granite, Logan Forsythe
Round 1 is in the books. Mock it all you want.
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Featured Photo: Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images
