Every season the Texas Rangers have one player that no one expected to be on the roster surprise the team. He usually comes out of nowhere and makes a huge impact.
In the past it has been players like Nomar Mazara, Adolis Garcia, Brock Holt and others. I want to take a look at who the surprise player could be in 2023.
The Players:
The Rangers have 27 non-roster invitees. Most of them are minor league players in their organization already. Here are some that could make the team out of Spring Training.
Long Shots
- Travis Jankowski – The odds of a career .236 hitter making it are pretty low. Jankowski played for the Mets and Seattle in 2022. He only got into 44 games total last season. He doesn’t hit for power. He would be my longest shot on this list.
- Blaine Crim – Crim has done nothing but hit at every level he has every been at. He has power, and he can hit for average. In 2022 he batted .293 and hit 24 home runs between Frisco and Round Rock. His downside is he really only plays first base. He would be another long shot.
- Justin Foscue – another player that the Rangers are high on right now. Foscue is another power hitting infielder that fans know about. Again, I do not think he is going to make the opening day roster.
Better Chance
- Chase Lee – The Viper as he is known was amazing last season in Frisco, but fell off a little bit at Round Rock. Lee had a 2.25 ERA in Frisco with a WHIP of 1.00, while at Round Rock he had a 5.46 ERA with a WHIP of 1.63. Lee is a power arm that could surprise people if he pitches the way he did while at Frisco in 2023 camp.
- Ian Kennedy – The Rangers need bullpen help, and Kennedy may be just what the doctor ordered. The former closer and long time major leaguer had a 2.51 ERA for the Rangers in 2021. His ERA in 2022 with the Diamondbacks was 5.36. He seemed comfortable in Texas the year he played here and he would be a veteran in the pen to help out.
- Danny Duffy – With a career 3.95 ERA, Duffy was worth taking a flyer on. He has played his entire career with the Royals as a starter. Could he re-invent himself like Matt Moore? It is a possibility. Duffy could sneak on to this roster for sure.
My Pick
- Kyle Cody – Cody made the team as a starter in 2020 before injury took him down. Kyle had a 1.59 ERA in the strange season that was 2020. He has been dealing with injury ever since. Cody would be my choice for the guy who sneaks onto the roster in 2022. Right now. These things change often. Cody is completely healthy for the first time in two years and is ready to produce. If Cody can impress during camp, he has a great shot of making this team as a bullpen arm.
Tell me what you think? Who do you think will be the camp surprise? Leave it in the comments below or on Twitter/Facebook.
