Sam Huff has done all he can in AAA ball. He had a slash line of .260/.336/.533 with an OPS of .868.
He hit 21 home runs in 246 at bats. That is a home run every 11.7 at bats. On the latest episode of “The Ranger Report Podcast” we mentioned that Sam is blocked at the Major League level by Mitch Garver and Jonah Heim.
Blocked
There is not a lot of room barring injury for Huff, even though he is obviously talented. If Garver stays healthy, he is better. If Heim plays like 2022, he is also better.
I mentioned on the show that this could be a Jose Trevino type situation where the Texas Rangers look to trade him so he can get an opportunity at the majors.
Rangers fans would hate to see him go, I also don’t want to see him rot away at Round Rock. He is what we refer to as a AAAA player.
Playing everyday is something that is important for younger players. He needs that chance to be successful.
Opportunity Elsewhere
Trading Huff for a bullpen arm would make sense at this point. He is truly talented and truly blocked.
Like Mason Englert, I would also like to see Huff be successful in the majors. There could be an injury tomorrow that changes the whole discussion, but for now he is blocked.
Stockpiling talent in the minors is something the team has done well the past few years. Some of that talent will never make the majors.
Most of that talent will never make the Rangers, but make it with other teams. While it would be great to keep Huff around, it is just not fair to him in my opinion.
What I think
My belief is that before camp breaks, Sam will be with another club. He at least deserves a shot.
Sam Huff has what it takes to be a major leaguer. The chance to prove it on a daily basis depends on what happens by April.
