The Texas Rangers continue to make moves this offseason in step with what they said they would do.
It was announced on Christmas Day that they had agreed with Kohei Arihara out of Japan.
Photo: Toru Takahashi/APTexas plans were to only make moves that look to the future. They are not going to spend big on free agents unless it helps them down the line. They will also allow young prospects to prove where they are in development, hopefully at the major league level.
NOTE: The Rangers are not through making moves. They have some players that need to be addressed with roster moves. They do not have options and may not make the opening day roster.
For me personally, I would still love to see Ha-Seung Kim added. This would no doubt be the end of Rougned Odor as a Ranger. But as I have learned, I am not in the ear of Jon Daniel or Chris Young.
I made this prediction two weeks ago.
Now, let’s do an update with the roster as of today.
Roster and Depth Chart
Rotation
- Kyle Gibson
- Jordan Lyles
- Dane Dunning
- Kohei Arihara
- Kyle Cody/Joe Palumbo (Opener combos)
Bullpen
- Jonathan Hernandez
- Brett Martin
- Brett de Geus
- Demarcus Evans
- Joe Gatto
- Jimmy Herget
Closer
Catcher
- Jose Trevino
- Aramis Garcia
First Base
- Nate Lowe
- Ronald Guzman
Second Base
- Nick Solak
- Rougned Odór
Shortstop
- Isaiah Kiner-Falefa
- Elvis Andrus
Third Base
- Elvis Andrus
- Nate Lowe
Left Field
- David Dahl
- Eli White
- Willie Calhoun
Center Field
- Leody Taveras
- Eli White
Right Field
- Joey Gallo
- Eli White
- David Dahl
DH
- Willie Calhoun
- Nick Solak
Opening Day Starting Lineup
- Leody Taveras CF
- Willie Calhoun DH
- Nate Lowe 1B
- Joey Gallo RF
- David Dahl LF
- Nick Solak 2B
- Isaiah Kiner-Falefa SS
- Elvis Andrus 3B
- Jose Trevino C
Opening Day Starter
- Kyle Gibson
With a 26 man roster, it could open things up for a possible Ronald Guzman spot if they do indeed go with openers at the back of the rotation. That leaves a smaller bullpen. If not, then the Sherten Apostel, Nate Lowe, and Ronald Guzman competition will be a fun one to watch in spring training. Ronald Guzman was named MVP of the Dominican Winter League. He played in 30 games and hit .360 with 5 HRs and an OPS of .973. Being left-handed limits his ability to be a utility guy. He can only play first base unless the Rangers think about trying him in the outfield.
Lowe has played 5 games at 3B in his short major league career. This could possibly make him the backup third baseman and assure Guzman a spot. Apostel has options, and the Rangers may want to get him regular AB’s in AA or AAA. You also have to consider the Josh Jung factor. The Rangers want to see him in the big leagues at some point in 2021. That would require a 40 man roster move since Jung is not currently on it.
Offseason Grade: B+ (So far)
This team is far better defensively with two potential bats to protect Gallo. The rotation is also much better than what the Rangers had at the end of 2020, with 4 potential inning eaters.
The Rangers front office should be applauded. They have made upgrades at SS, LF, 1B, and rotation while not breaking the bank.
This is not a playoff team, but it should be a fun one to watch.
Featured Image: Toru Takahashi/AP
