Yesterday it was reported Texas Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton is again dealing with left knee issues heading into the 2016 season, which now puts the team in a tough spot as they try to figure out their left field situation. The latest rumors pose a number of possibilities, including the use of top prospect Joey Gallo.
Here's the latest from FOX Sports' Jon Morosi:
"Although sources say the Rangers aren't close to adding a full-time left fielder, they're nonetheless keeping tabs on the trade market for New York Mets outfielder Alejandro De Aza, as well as maintaining contact with free agents David Murphy and Will Venable, both of whom have prior experience with the team."
"The Rangers used 12 different starting left fielders in 2015 -- most in the majors last year, according to STATS LLC -- and they appear likely to begin the upcoming season with another platoon approach. Ryan Rua (21 starts in left field last year) and Joey Gallo (14) again will have the opportunity to earn playing time, as will the newly acquired Justin Ruggiano."
We wrote yesterday that any of the above could be possibilities in the wake of Hamilton's news. If his knee issue appears to be a lingering or persisting injury to the team's medical staff, then general manager Jon Daniels will need to figure something out relatively fast since the team's first full spring training workout is a week from today.
While the free agent market gives them a number of options, Gallo could be a top consideration here. The 22-year-old made his MLB debut with the Rangers last year and got time both at third base and in left field as the club dealt with the absence of Hamilton and Adrian Beltre. Gallo got the call straight from Double-A Frisco and hit .204/.301/.417 with 16 runs scored, 6 home runs, 14 RBI and 3 stolen bases in 36 games with the Rangers.
However, when he was sent back down to Triple-A Round Rock, the slugger regressed and hit just .195/.289/.450 in 53 games. He did blast 14 home runs, but he struck out 90 times in 200 at-bats, which further raised concerns about his contact rate and plate discipline.
Rumors have touched upon Gallo moving to the outfield since the Rangers are hoping to sign Beltre to an extension, which would likely keep the veteran at third base beyond the 2016 season. Gallo is close to MLB ready, so that wouldn't help his timetable. Earlier this offseason it was said Gallo "will concentrate on third base during spring training," according to manager Jeff Banister, but a Beltre extension could change that.
"Gallo had more starts in left field (14) than at third base (13) while with the club last season," writes Gerry Fraley of The Dallas Morning News. "The club has not ruled out a position change, which will become more likely is veteran third baseman Adrian Beltre agrees to a contract extension soon. Until that happens, the Rangers want Gallo to focus on third."
It's unknown how far along the contract extension talks with Beltre are. Nor it is clear how far along the team is in their search for a new left fielder. But the Rangers could give Gallo a chance, and if he proves himself in spring training, he could be the team's top option in the event Hamilton isn't healthy enough to start the season.
(Also, keep an eye on outfield prospect Nomar Mazara, who made excellent strides last season.)
