Earlier I did pitchers on the roster, now we will project the position players for the 2022 Rangers. A few of the positions are a lock, but many are not, so this should change a good bit by April 8.
Infield
First Base: Nathaniel Lowe – There are people who really want the Rangers to pursue Matt Olsen. Personal opinion: he will cost too much and the Rangers like Nathaniel Lowe. He will be the man…for now.
Second Base: Marcus Semien – The Rangers have a second baseman for the foreseeable future. Semien was a surprising pickup to play second as he was one of the shortstops out there.
He seems happy to be in Texas and should be a great addition for years to come. I am very happy with the state of second base.
Shortstop: Corey Seager – Barring injury, I can guarantee that this one will not change between now and the opening of the regular season. He is signed to be here for the next ten seasons. He should be.
Third Base: Andy Ibanez – With the trade of Isiah Kiner-Falefa and the injury to Josh Jung, Andy Ibanez is the natural internal choice. Other internal options like Sherten Apostel or Davis Wendzel or even Justin Foscue could win the spot.
If Ibanez can hit like he did to finish 2021, the Rangers are going to want that bat in the lineup. He is a good infielder and the Rangers, if they don’t go outside, will most likely go with him.
Also, they could go with Charlie Culberson or Brock Holt again. Just saying.
Catcher: Mitch Garver – The Rangers traded IKF for Garver. The Rangers expect him to be the main man behind the dish. The real question is who will be the number 2 guy?
Jose Trevino and Jonah Heim are both very good defensive catchers but they both have been lacking at the plate. Heim (.217 with 11 homers) and Trevino (.239 with 5 homers) did not cut it on offense. One of them will be moved before the season starts in my opinion.
Designated Hitter: Willie Calhoun – The Rangers want to let Calhoun have a full season without injury. Taking him out of everyday play in the field may be the way to go here.
Outfield/Bench Players
Right Field: Kole Calhoun – While he will not be the everyday right fielder he will be the starting right fielder. He will rotate with other people but the Rangers brought him in for his bat and veteran leadership. I really like this pickup.
Center Field: Adolis Garcia – After a really good 2021, Garcia is poised for a continuation of his breakout or a big fall. The Rangers will find out by having him play centerfield everyday for a while.
Left Field: Eli White – A healthy Eli White will be a very good thing for the Rangers. He is a good fielder and I think the team likes him.
I had several choices here including Zach Reks and Willie Calhoun. I believe that Eli White will be your starting left fielder.
Bench Players: Zach Reks, Jonah Heim, Nick Solak, Yonny Hernandez.
This will all change by next week I assume. Let me know what you think on Facebook, Twitter or in the comment section below.
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