Good morning.
Shin-Soo Choo, whose scorching second half (including an OPS of 1.113 in Sept/Oct) in 2015 propelled the Texas Rangers to their first division title since 2011 after he signed following the 2013 season as Jon Daniels’ first ever mega free agent expenditure, is returning home to Korea to play in the KBO.
From leading the unlikely bounce-back 2015 squad, to his on base streak and general ability to find a way to reach, to his first ever All-Star Game appearance, Choo was a warrior for the Rangers and one of the most kind-hearted people in the community in his seven years here and he will be missed.
Elsewhere, yesterday was the first full workout of spring training for the Rangers and Jeff Wilson writes that while the process of putting together the 2021 Opening Day roster begins in earnest, all eyes will be on the prospects in camp.
Sam Blum writes that Jose Trevino is the penciled-in favorite to be the starting catcher for the Rangers but he still has to fight for the job in Surprise.
Levi Weaver writes that with Nick Solak likely moving back to the infield, and Khris Davis perhaps taking the DH at-bats, it could be Willie Calhoun’s year in left field.
Wilson offers the six most intriguing Rangers position players to follow this year at spring training.
Kennedi Landry notes that Joey Gallo literally has a brand new bat for the 2021 season.
Blum writes that, in addition to the new bat, Gallo wants to get back to the approach that made him an All-Star.
Gallo lands on the list of ten sluggers that the writers at MLB dot com think are primed for bounce back seasons in 2021.
Landry notes that the Rangers have signed Ian Kennedy to a minor league deal to help bolster the pitching depth.
Over at Fangraphs, Eric Longenhagen and Kevin Goldstein discuss how the process of scouting for this year’s MLB Draft will be different.
And, to that end, the Rangers have the second overall selection in the upcoming draft and players sure to be on their radar such as Kumar Rocker and Jack Leiter are already impressing.
Be well!