Rangers 2022 positional analysis: CF Adolis Garca is the only certainty in an uncertain outfield – The Dallas Morning News

Thanks to the MLB owner-imposed lockout, the Texas Rangers will not report to spring training on Feb. 14, as had been the original schedule. Nevertheless, we begin preparation for the start of camp, whenever that may be. Our daily, position-by-position look around the Rangers roster as it sits with construction stalled:

Likely starter: Adolis Garca

On the bench: Eli White, Leodys Taveras

Surveying the market: The Rangers could use an extra body as a backup in case White isnt physically ready to start the season and in case Taveras is still not ready to hit in the big leagues. Unless the Rangers went all in with Michael Conforto, it would probably be a minor league contract type of guy. Old friend Delino DeShields is out there. So are the likes of Jake Marisnick, Juan Lagares and Mike Tauchman, who spent part of 2021 in San Francisco with new Rangers bench coach/offensive coordinator Donnie Ecker.

What happened in 2021: Not on the opening day roster, Garca (added a week into the season) was the best thing to happen to the Rangers in the first half. He ended up a rookie All-Star thanks to 22 homers, a dramatic flair and superb defense in both right and center. But, by the second half, he could not catch up to elevated fastballs and hit just .211/.256/.370/.627 after the break. He struck out 194 times, third most in the majors.

Whats new for 22: Taveras posted an .818 OPS at Triple-A Round Rock and a .742 OPS in the Dominican Winter League, big steps up in terms of offensive production from his career minor league OPS of .701. If he takes another step forward, he could make the outfield picture much more intriguing. But, its probably not feasible for him to completely make that argument in spring training and starting him on the bench in the majors seems counterproductive.

By the numbers: Garcas defense should not be overlooked. He saved 16 runs, according to Fangraphs, while moving around the outfield. He ranked 11th among MLB outfielders in runs saved. His arm is tremendous as are his leaping skills. His routes can occasionally be awkward, but hes got the speed to recover.

On the farm: Will former first-rounder Bubba Thompson continue the improvement he showed at Double-A Frisco last year? Will intriguing 2020 second-rounder Evan Carter be able to stay healthy this year? Both are interesting stories in the minors for 2022, but Taveras is probably the only prospect who may figure into the picture in center in the majors this year.

What it means: The Rangers did major lifting on the infield in November, but not so much on the outfield. It remains in a very fluid state with the biggest certainty being Garca, who is entering his second MLB season at age 29 and looked overwhelmed often in the second half. A free agent outfielder capable of playing center or left could drastically change the dynamics. There is a need for more help.

Catcher | First base | Second base | Shortstop | Third base | Left field | More coming soon...

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Rangers 2022 positional analysis: CF Adolis Garca is the only certainty in an uncertain outfield - The Dallas Morning News