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Texas Rangers five key questions out of spring training

By Stephen Francis

Sep 23, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; The Texas Rangers celebrate after the end of the game against the Oakland Athletics at Oakland Coliseum the Texas Rangers defeated the Oakland Athletics 3 to 0. Mandatory Credit: Neville E. Guard-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 23, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; The Texas Rangers celebrate after the end of the game against the Oakland Athletics at Oakland Coliseum the Texas Rangers defeated the Oakland Athletics 3 to 0. Mandatory Credit: Neville E. Guard-USA TODAY Sports /
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Texas Rangers utility man Jurickson Profar
Mar 23, 2017; Surprise, AZ, USA; Texas Rangers third baseman Profar (19) makes a diving catch on a ball hit by Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Charlie Culberson (not pictured) during the fifth inning at Surprise Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /

4 — What will happen with Jurickson Profar?

Utility man Jurickson Profar has continued to showcase his versatility at every turn. He played every infield position last season, as well as left field. His defensive numbers were not terrible, either.

Third base gave him more fits than the other positions, but he still did an admirable job. The real problem lies with his bat.

Over three seasons as a Texas Ranger, he’s batted .235 with a .311 on base percentage and a .336 slugging percentage. He’s failed to find his groove at the plate, and if the Texas front office wants to get anything out of him, they need to see an improvement.

The biggest reason the Rangers need to see him do well, is so that other teams can see him do well. Profar has the potential to become the biggest trade piece Texas has at the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline.

They also need to see him play well for the team. Per texasrangers.com, Profar currently occupies the starting left field position. But most corner outfielders are expected to hit well, and he could quickly lose his starting job to Mazara if he isn’t careful.

So, he has some work to do. He can keep a starting job with the Rangers if he starts hitting well. If he hits decently, his trade value may drop a bit, but could still garner some interest from other clubs. But if he remains a soft hitter, then he could lose his job altogether and also lose trade value. Then, he’s stuck riding the pine as a defensive substitute or going back down to the minors for good.

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