Should the Rangers Be Focusing on the Future?

Almost halfway through the season, the Rangers are in a predicament, needing to make a decision for the future of this team.

Play for today, or play for the future?

*Photo: Smiley N. Pool/Dallas Morning News*

Leody Taveras

Leody Taveras was recalled to the team from the alternate training site on Monday. Meanwhile, Rob Refsnyder was designated for assignment, giving the assumption that the team is starting to look to its younger players to develop at the big league level. With a short season, the Rangers could use it as a great opportunity to evaluate their talent that is on the cusp of finally making an impact for the major league club.

Taveras had a good spring/summer training camp and plays excellent defense in center field. Taveras hit .292 with 2 home runs, 2 RBI, and 13 walks against 9 strikeouts during 13 summer camp games. He also hit .304 in 15 spring training games before the Coronavirus shutdown. Overall, he hit .297 during both training camps, showing that the offensive side of his game has improved from past seasons.

Choo is on the last year of his contract, and if the Rangers choose not to resign him, the outfield comes next season could consist of Gallo, Heineman, Solak, Calhoun, Taveras, and possibly Santana if he returns on a short year deal.

The #TexasRangers make roster moves today:

– C Chirinos is activated from IL
– OF Leody Taveras is recalled from alternate training site
– RPJesse Chavez to the 10 day IL with toe injury
– IF/OF Refsnyder has been DFA'd#TogetherWe
— Rangers Nation (@RangerNationDAL) August 24, 2020

What’s interesting here is Robinson Chirinos was activated from the injured list, but Jose Trevino wasn’t sent away this time. That leaves the team with three catchers on the roster, but it may be because of Chirinos needing time to get readjusted to the workload.

Here’s the fun part, Jeff Mathis seems like he’s going to be the odd man out at this point. Jose Trevino has come on strong lately and is stroking at the plate at a .300+ clip in over 10 games played. He has more at-bats, hits, and RBI than Mathis, making his case as a more productive player at the plate. Mathis is still on the roster because of his experience and leadership behind the plate, but the time has come for Trevino as he continues to prove himself time after time.

Jesse Chavez

Jesse Chavez is another move that was made as he was sent to the 10-day injured list with a toe injury. The bullpen has had its good moments with the combination of Joely Rodriguez, Rafael Montero, and Jonathan Hernandez. However, the Rangers just had a massive losing streak, and the pitching was a huge factor, if not the main factor. Over the past 8 games, the Rangers have allowed 65 runs total, losing all 8 games.

Demarcus Evans

Enter Demarcus Evans.

Evans is probably the most hyped pitcher in the Ranger’s farm system not named Hans Crouse. Evans was 6-0 in the minor league in 2019, boasting an incredible 0.90 ERA in 47 games pitched. In the same amount of games, he had 100 strikeouts, all being done as a relief pitcher.

With a high strikeout rate, the Rangers need to bring in the young man to give this pitching staff and much-needed boost. More options will not hurt this bullpen that has Ian Gibaut still trying to flop his way through the season. (Yes, shots fired.)