In just a few short days, the calendar will flip to December. The 2021 Major League Baseball season is still months away, but that doesn’t mean that people aren’t thinking about it, especially the Texas Rangers. While they are still several years away from being a contending ball club, the Rangers have a lot of talent. Right now, the roster has both youngsters and veteran players, and they are going to be fun to watch come Opening Day.
Youthful Outfield
One guy that the Rangers have been keeping a close eye on is outfielder Leody Taveras. The main thing that Taveras has going for him is that he has a lot of potential. He is a very good ballplayer, but he still has some things to work out, both on offense and defense. In 2020, he hit .227 with four home runs and six RBI. Granted, the season was cut short due to the pandemic. It was unrealistic for him to put up monster numbers in 60 games, but that doesn’t change the fact that Taveras needs to hit going forward. He also needs to work on his fielding. The Rangers would like to see him improve on his .976 fielding percentage from 2020.
Infield Versatility
When his name was last mentioned in the headlines several weeks ago, Isiah Kiner-Falefa had just won his first career Gold Glove as he held down the fort at third base for the Rangers this year. Defensively, Kiner-Falefa will be fine as long as he keeps doing what he did this past year. Just like Taveras, he needs work at the plate. In 2020, Kiner-Falefa hit .211 with three home runs and 10 RBI. Legendary hockey coach Herb Brooks once said that you need to be uncommon to go places. When it comes to his bat, Kiner-Falefa needs to be as uncommon as his last name. Add in Nick Solak at second base, and you have a very good infield.
Ace of Diamonds
Starting pitcher Lance Lynn has definitely made his mark during his time in Texas so far. Earlier this year, he won his 100th career game, and he was as solid as you could be down the stretch. He went 6-3 this year, with an ERA of 3.32, 89 strikeouts, and 25 walks. It’s really quite simple. Lynn needs to keep being the ace pitcher that he has always been. One of his main issues is that he doesn’t get enough run support. It happens to a lot of guys, unfortunately. If he can keep winning, and passing on his knowledge to younger guys like Kolby Allard, Wes Benjamin, and Kyle Cody, the Rangers pitching staff will do very well in 2021.
Better Atmosphere
The Rangers have one thing in common with everyone else in America right now. They have a five-year plan. Just like everyone else, that five-year plan is to get to 2021. Things aren’t certain right now, but the Rangers hope that their new home Globe Life Field can contribute to a good season, and hopefully allowing fans in the ballpark. It really makes a big difference when you have the crowd in your corner. Here’s to 2021.
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