Texas Rangers: Predicting the batting lineup of the future
By Cody Smith
Texas Rangers Lineup
Tejeda looked pretty good in his 23 games with the Rangers during the 2020 season, as he hit .253, and was one of a handful of bright spots for the Texas Rangers during the season.
I think he will fit in with the team similarly to how Elvis Andrus did early in his career, as a solid hitter, and maybe a little more power than Andrus originally had.
I do think Tejeda, and even Apostel, will be challenged for their spots in the lineup by the likes of Justin Foscue, Davis Wendzel, and others that pop up onto the radar.
3B-Josh Jung
Jung was taken by the Texas Rangers in the first round of the 2019 draft, and is probably the team’s most polished hitter in the minor leagues. He is a unanimous top three prospect, and in most cases the team’s top prospect.
It would probably be safe to assume that Jung could see the majors as soon as 2021, and he could even take control of a starting job at that point.
He projects into a player that should be able to hit .300+, and hopefully develop some power along the way, and become a Justin Turner-type player (Dodgers Turner) for the team.
SS-Isiah Kiner-Falefa
Kiner-Falefa made it clear this year that he is not a utility player, as he was the best player wearing a “T” on his hat most days, and even won a Gold Glove at third base.
His offense should be solid, and you can expect him to hit in the neighborhood of .280. His glove should transition nicely from 3rd to SS, and he should be able to take over as the captain of the infield for Elvis Andrus once the club moves him from shortstop.
LF-Nick Solak
Given the plethora of young infielders that the Texas Rangers have across all levels, it made the most sense to pencil in Solak in left field. Since the team does not really have any other promising outfielders this makes the most sense (I can be wrong, of course).
For that reason, Solak will be the team’s Opening Day left fielder. Solak has a good feel for the plate, and has some Michael Young tendencies. His fielding is pretty rough, but his bat is pretty solid, and he can hit anywhere from .270 and up, with double digit home runs for this team.