The Ranger Offense was offensive in 2021. It ranked last or close to last in almost every category. But it wasn’t all bad. Adolis Garcia was joy to watch. DJ Peters was impressive as well. Nate Lowe had some good games too. If we’re being honest, though, the Rangers could upgrade at almost every position. But will they? Here is my way too early off-season predictions for the offense in 2022.
Infield
Now this is just my opinion, so don’t destroy me on these!
1st base – Nate Lowe – I’m not super impressed with the free agents out there for this position. I think Lowe did enough to get another shot to win the spot, and I believe that he will. Ronald Guzman could beat him out, but since he didn’t in 2021, I have my doubts that he will in 2022.
2nd Base – Isiah Kiner-Falefa – IKF is not going to be the shortstop in 2022. He was okay, but not great. I see him getting moved to second since my third base pick will be someone else. His offense is decent, and his defense is good but not great. The Rangers want to make a big splash here, and I think they will for better or for worse.
Third Base – Josh Jung – Rangers fans are foaming at the mouth to see Jung at the major league level, and I believe that the Rangers will comply with that for the 2022 season. Jung did nothing but impress at both Frisco and Round Rock in 2021. It is his spot to lose in 2022.
Shortstop – If you talk with Chris Halicke from Inside the Rangers, which we do, he is totally sold on Carlos Correa being the Rangers shortstop going forward. Then, there is also Travis Story, who is from the area. According to projections, Correa is going to make less per year than Story. With the Rangers saying they are going to spend money this winter, I could see either as the shortstop, but I am going to go with Story, simply because he is from the area and was never an Astro.
Catcher – Jonah Heim – I was impressed with Heim’s play in 2021. Trevino didn’t exactly do bad, but I believe that Heim has the slight advantage. He was the key piece in the Elvis Andrus trade. During the entire 2022 season I believe they will split time, but I believe Heim gets the nod opening day.
Outfield
This is another spot the Rangers could potentially add someone, but I do not think they will. Here are my early predictions on the opening day outfield.
Right Field – Adolis Garcia – Absolutely no surprise here. Garcia should be rookie of the year for his offense alone in the 2021 season. He had more outfield assists than most teams. He hit more home runs than any other rookie in Rangers history. Also the most RBI. He was a beast and made the Joey Gallo trade a little easier to swallow.
Center Field – Leody Tavares – Leody is going to get the nod in center. The Rangers want to see if he is improved from the beginning of 2021. They want him to be the man going forward. He is going to have to work hard to keep the job all season, and I think he is very capable of doing just that.
Left Field – Willie Calhoun – I believe that Calhoun is on his final leg for the Rangers. If he can’t win the spot out of spring training, the Rangers may be done with the Willie Calhoun experiment. He has had many unfortunate injuries the past few seasons. His future with the team is in jeopardy.
Designated Hitter – I’m really not sure on this one. I believe it will be DH by committee. Maybe Ronald Guzman, DJ peters or Eli White could start there? Should be interesting to see. I’m going to say Guzman just to make a decision.
Bench
D.J. Peters
Eli White
