Texas Rangers 2022: Scouting, Projected Lineup, Season Prediction
The Rangers are tired of losing. The 2021 season, which ended with 102 losses, was the team's fifth consecutive losing season, the longest streak since they arrived in Texas. But they are doing something about it. In the week before the Dec. 1 lockout, the Rangers invested $561 million in free agents, a record for any team in a single offseason, with the promise of more to come. They may not be a contender in 2022, but they will be significantly better. And they are on the rise with one of the deepest minor league systems in the game, a brand-new money-making stadium and a renewed commitment to winning.
Opposing Scouts Size Up the Rangers
"This is a roster you look at and ask: How many of these guys will be there when they win? Besides Corey Seager and Marcus Semien, of course, the only one I see for sure is Adolis García. Nathaniel Lowe has a good eye, but he strikes out too much and doesn't hit for enough power to be an impactful first baseman. Josh Jung will take over third base soon and probably keep it for a long time. They'll struggle again on the mound, though Jon Gray is an obvious upgrade at the top. Dane Dunning gets more strikeouts than a typical sinkerball guy, and he could have a nice career as a mid-rotation guy. I like Taylor Hearn as a power arm in that sixth- to eighth-inning role, but if he can develop a changeup, it's worth seeing if he can be a starter. Glenn Otto was much better than his peripherals; he's a serviceable No. 5. They'll take a long look at Spencer Howard to see if he can live up to the hype he got in Philly. Keep an eye on righty Owen White — he was their second-rounder in 2018 and hasn't pitched much as a pro, but he was dominant in the Arizona Fall League."
Place to be How did a team that won only 60 games manage to lead the AL in attendance? Here's how: a new stadium with a retractable roof that made summer games a more pleasant atmosphere and some of the nation's most relaxed standards on COVID restrictions. The Rangers allowed 100 percent capacity at Globe Life Field from the beginning of the season and drew 2,110,258 fans (an average of 26,053). What was evident during the few games before the air went out of the season was that in addition to being climate controlled, the stadium will be exceptionally loud when it is packed, which should help create a better home-field advantage.
System improvement According to Baseball America, the Rangers had the most improved farm system in the majors in 2021, moving from 24th in the preseason rankings to 11th in the mid-season rankings. The Rangers did it by adding Jack Leiter in the draft, getting a passel of prospects from the Yankees (Josh Smith, Ezequiel Duran, Trevor Hauver and Glenn Otto) for Joey Gallo and enjoying the breakthroughs of 2020 first-rounder Justin Foscue and Dustin Harris, acquired from Oakland in the Mike Minor trade. With RHP Owen White's dominant Arizona Fall League performance, the No. 3 pick in the draft and the return from injury of OF Evan Carter and RHP Ricky Vanasco, the Rangers could be in the top five soon. That is, if they don't use some of their inventory on the trade market.
Coaching changes As has become regular, the Rangers made significant coaching changes geared towards rejuvenating a moribund offense. In something of a coup, they managed to land hitting instructors from two 2021 playoff teams. Donnie Ecker, who helped San Francisco to a significant turnaround, takes over as bench coach and in the newly created role of offensive coordinator. Tim Hyers, who handled Boston's hitters the past four seasons, becomes the hitting instructor. The Red Sox (fifth) and Giants (sixth) both ranked in the top 10 in MLB in runs scored in 2021. The Rangers were 28th and last in the AL.
Golden anniversary The 2022 season will mark the 50th anniversary of the club's arrival in Texas. At 3,842–4,020 (.489), the Rangers rank 19th of 30 organizations in win percentage since their arrival, with seven AL West titles and two AL pennants. They are still seeking their first World Series win. There will be commemorative celebrations of the organization's history throughout the season.
Projected Lineup
LINEUP
2B Marcus Semien (R)SS Corey Seager (L)1B Nathaniel Lowe (L)CF Adolis García (R)RF Kole Calhoun (L)DH Nick Solak (R)3B Brad Miller (L)LF Willie Calhoun (L)
