Texas Rangers: 2020 Starting Positions Up For Grabs

Going into 2020, the Texas Rangers have some questions regarding their offense, and they will certainly have a few positions up for grabs for Opening Day at Globe Life Field.

The Texas Rangers certainly have some questions in regards to their pitching staff for 2020, but there are a few starting spots available that we will take a closer look at today.

For starters, here are the players that are seemingly locked into a starting spot for 2020 (barring any trades or free agent signings): SS-Elvis Andrus, OF-Joey Gallo, OF-Willie Calhoun, OF-Nomar Mazara, DH-Shin-Soo Choo, and INF-Danny Santana.

That leaves three starting spots up for grabs for 2020-catcher, first base, and second base (changes can be made based on how the off-season goes, as Danny Santana can slide around anywhere).

Catcher

At catcher, the Texas Rangers have really struggled to find stability since Mike Napoli during the World Series run in 2011. The Rangers may have found their catcher of the future in Jose Trevino this season, as he has posted exceptional numbers (compared to what his teammates were doing). This year, he has hit .254 across 27 games, and has been slightly above replacement level, as indicated by his 0.1 WAR.

It’s likely that the Rangers look to free agency this off-season to at least find someone to platoon with Trevino, if not become the primary starter. Another option could be that they do something similar to Jeff Mathis, and find someone to fill in on Trevino’s off days and hope Sam Huff can fly through the minors and be in the majors at some point in 2020.

First Base

The Rangers have a plethora of options when it comes to first base for the 2020 season. They really could go a variety of ways, and I would expect for the job to be an in-house player that secures it, but the competition will likely go throughout Spring Training, and possibly into the season.

Ronald Guzman was thought to be the player that would anchor first base for the team this season, but his offense failed to take a step, and he found himself being demoted to the minors in July. Other in-house options could be Nick Solak, Danny Santana, Joey Gallo, and Isiah Kiner-Falefa. It could be an interesting battle to watch heading into the opening season of Globe Life Field.

Second Base

The last five seasons, the Texas Rangers have gone through the ups and downs of Rougned Odor at 2nd base, and have consistently given him time there, without really thinking twice. This off-season, though, the club needs to think twice. Aside from a scorching hot finish to the 2018 season, Odor has been a bit of a laugher in the lineup for the team. As of right now, he is on pace to finish this season hitting below .210, which would mark the second time he’s done it in the last three seasons.

Although most hope for Odor seems lost, the team shouldn’t completely give up on him. He still has potential, and if he ever fixes his swing, he could be a valuable player, but as of now, he isn’t, and he should at least be challenged for his starting job. Possible challengers at second base include Nick Solak, Danny Santana, and Isiah Kiner-Falefa.

Haters, don’t be surprised if he is an Opening Day starter in 2020, but there could also be a possibility that the Rangers decide to cut ties with him as soon as this off-season, or if his struggles continue into 2020.

Third Base

The hot corner has pretty much been a disaster this season for the Texas Rangers. They thought Asdrubal Cabrera would be the answer, but he not only struggled at the plate, he was also one of the worst defensive third basemen in baseball during his stint in Texas. Naturally, he is hitting .322 going into Sunday’s game through 26 games in Washington.

Since then the Rangers have gone to a variety of different players at third, including Logan Forsythe, Danny Santana, Isiah Kiner-Falefa, Nick Solak, and Patrick Wisdom. At the moment, it seems as if Solak and Santana will have starting or super utility spots locked down with the team for 2020, meaning it’s fairly safe to assume that one (or both) could be starting at first or third come Opening Day.

This is a position that the Rangers could very well chase a big free agent to fill. Anthony Rendon has torn it up this season, and will likely be looking for a big payday come this off-season. If Rendon decides to play elsewhere, the Rangers would likely use Santana and Solak at both corners for 2020, or possibly go with an outside player (similar to what they did with Cabrera last off-season) to at least challenge for the starting spot.

Final Thoughts

I know, I know… I completely left off Delino DeShields when I listed the starting outfield for next season. DeShields has been terrific since his call-up early in the season, and will likely have an important spot with the team in 2020. In my opinion, him starting on Opening Day may really just depend on the pitcher, injury situation(s), and how Spring Training goes for others, including himself.

2020 Opening Day Lineup

Here is what I would expect the 2020 Opening Day lineup to look like if the Texas Rangers decide not to add any big offensive starters (including the bench)…

Texas Rangers: 2020 Positions Up For Grabs

By Cody Smith | Sep 16, 2019