Texas Rangers win 2 Gold Gloves: Offer something to build around
By Taylor Dunn
The Texas Rangers have good news in the form of Gold Glove awards, offering hope for the future…
Major League Baseball announced their 2020 Gold Glove winners Tuesday night. Among the 18 winners were two Texas Rangers, Joey Gallo and Isiah Kiner-Falefa.
Kiner-Falefa brought home the award for best defensive third baseman in the American League while Gallo was recognized the league’s best defensive right fielder. The award was the first of each player’s career respectively.
While the 2020 Texas Rangers season was forgetful one, featuring an AL worst record, one bright spot was the defense. The Rangers flashed leather all year. Most impressive were Joey and Isiah. That’s not just something to celebrate, but something to build around.
Gallo lead all AL outfielders with 12 Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) while Kiner-Falefa lead all AL third baseman in DRS with 8. If you watched many Rangers games this season, you know each guy passed the notorious “eye test” as well.
Joey Gallo
For Gallo, the award came in his third season of full-time play for Texas. The 26-year-old worked his way through the Ranger’s farm system as a highly-coveted third base prospect. Ownership quickly saw talent that would translate to the outfield where he played the vast majority of his career since.
Joey has been moved around the outfield the past couple years, but was featured in right field 53 of 60 games in this pandemic-shortened season. Joey struggled with the bat this year slashing a .181/.301/.378 line with 10 homers. But while the offense was not what many fans might expect or be please with, he showed great value with his glove and arm.
Isiah Kiner-Falefa
As for Kiner-Falefa, you cannot help but be happy for the guy. Management considers IKF to be so valuable due to his ability to play any position in the infield and even behind the plate. Albeit, only in emergency scenarios at this point.
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In 2018, Isaiah played 46 games at third base, 20 at second base, 2 at shortstop and 35 at catcher. Last season, he split time at catcher and third over the course of 63 games. The way the roster played out for the 2020 season allowed the Hawaiian native to hold down third base as an everyday position player. To say he made the most of the opportunity would be an understatement.
The 2020 Texas Rangers season was not a successful one. Times in Arlington pro sports are not great. Let’s learn enjoy the little things and celebrate a couple of well-deserved awards for our Rangers.
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Both players built up their value with the award. They give the Texas Rangers something to build around or they become a valuable trade chip as the Rangers attempt to rebuild the roster and the farm. Regardless which way Jon Daniels goes, the award is good news for the Rangers future.
- Published on 11/06/2020 at 12:01 PM
- Last updated at 11/06/2020 at 14:48 PM