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Rangers roster projection version 1.0: Platoons at 3B, LF look likely without clear starters

Texas has a hole at third base with the trade of Isiah Kiner-Falefa and prospect Josh Jung’s injury.

SURPRISE, Ariz. — Half a billion doesn’t buy what it used to. Despite all that money spent on free agents over the winter, when the Rangers took the field for their first full squad workout on Monday, they still had two bald spots on the left side of the field.

No definitive third baseman. Or left fielder.

Maybe one isn’t necessary. Welcome to Rangers “Platoon.”

According to multiple sources, the Rangers agreed to a deal with veteran utility man and Chris Woodward favorite Brad Miller and are bringing back Charlie Culberson on a minor league deal. The deals were still pending a physical, but it didn’t stop the wheels from turning.

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Miller, a left-handed hitter who punished right-handers last year, will likely split time in left with Nick Solak. Andy Ibáñez will be given “some runway,” to own a significant piece of the third base job. The Rangers have long believed in Ibáñez’s offensive potential, but his fielding had been considered subpar. Culberson, who started 60 games at third last year, could spell him, particularly against some lefties.

“We all believe in him with the bat,” Woodward said of Ibáñez. “I do want to give this kid an opportunity. I think this is a time for him to maybe get that. He’s got to prove defensively that he can handle it. He doesn’t need to play every day, and maybe a platoon situation to kind of complement him could help. I don’t want to say it’s his job to lose, but it’s his job to lose.”

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Miller, 32, meanwhile, could help bolster left field. Solak has a .788 career OPS vs. lefties, but it’s only .667 against right-handers. Miller had an .842 OPS last year against right-handers while with Philadelphia. Miller could also fill in as a backup shortstop if needed. While he’s started more games at short than any other position in his career, he has started at all three outfield positions, too. They first crossed paths in 2013 when Woodward was Seattle’s minor league coordinator and spent two years together in the majors when Woodward was the Mariners’ infield instructor.

“We have a few right-handed options that hammer lefties,” Woodward said. “We kind of want to do them a solid and match them up with lefties that can complement them. We haven’t really had a true platoon situation since I’ve been here. The roster hasn’t been constructed that way. But I think there’s a couple of opportunities for us to be able to do that.”

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And now for the rest of our initial Rangers’ roster projection for the April 8 opener at Toronto:

Catchers (2): Mitch Garver, Jonah Heim.

The skinny: The addition of Garver puts Jonah Heim and Jose Trevino in direct competition for the backup spot. Both are elite receivers, but Heim has an edge as a switch-hitter and with more power than Trevino. Trevino worked all winter on improving his mobility and his swing. He’s got three weeks to show it.

Infielders (5): 1B Nathaniel Lowe, 2B Marcus Semien, 3B Andy Ibáñez, SS Corey Seager; INF Charlie Culberson*.

The skinny: The middle are the pillars of the future. Lowe, who finished 2021 strong, has a chance to join them. The non-roster addition of Culberson on Wednesday gives the Rangers some third base insurance in case Ibáñez runs out of runway and may push Nick Solak to focusing more on the outfield. It all probably squeezes pesky Yonny Hernandez off the roster.

Outfielders (5): Brad Miller*, Adolis García, Kole Calhoun, Nick Solak, Jake Marisnick.

The skinny: Eli White’s health is the issue here. He’s ahead of schedule in his return from shoulder surgery and has put on three days of impressive batting practice. Can the Rangers really rely on his accelerated rehab? It might make more sense to err on the side of caution, let him start the year on a rehab assignment and make him the first callup.

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DH (1): Willie Calhoun

The skinny: Things set up well for Calhoun to settle into the role he’s best suited for – professional hitter – and get a legitimate look. Now, he’s got to stay healthy, which has been a challenge for him. But if he’s going to be a full-time DH, he’s got to be an above average offensive player. To date his career OPS+ of 87 is below average (league average is 100).

Starting pitchers: (5): RHP Jon Gray, LHP Martin Perez, RHP Dane Dunning, LHP Taylor Hearn, RHP Spencer Howard

The skinny: Woodward’s endorsement of Taylor Hearn gives him a leg (or arm) up on competition at the back of the rotation. Howard, the manager noted, looks “freer” this spring. Kohei Arihara, who has a lot to prove to himself after an unsuccessful first year transition from Japan to the U.S. is probably his chief competition, but Howard is on the roster; Arihara is not. The trio of Brock Burke, Glenn Otto and A.J. Alexy would give the Rangers some intriguing depth options at Triple-A Round Rock, should a need arise. One always does.

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Relievers (8): RHP Joe Barlow (closer), RHP Spencer Patton, LHP Brett Martin, LHP John King, RHP Dennis Santana, RHP Dan Winkler, RHP Matt Bush, RHP Nick Tropeano

The skinny: The lack of multi-inning relievers could be an issue. The Rangers are going to need guys who are durable and resilient early in the year. It might make Kolby Allard more attractive, but Allard has minor league options remaining; Tropeano does not. Likewise, Santana might make the roster over Josh Sborz because he is out of options. Arms retention will be integral to the scramble that will be the first month.

*Contracts agreed to, but signing not yet official, pending physicals.

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