Uncustomed Heroes of 2019: Rangers

 I feel like there was a theme of teams scraping up to third place despite not entirely deserving it. The Giants did it in the west, and the Rangers did it here.

This isn't to say that the Rangers weren't good enough or didn't have those big game moments. They just didn't have enough of them for me. And though they attempted usurping the A's in the standings on multiple occasions, third place is where they ended up. I am intrigued by the complete and total rotation overhaul that's gone on since the season ended, as Jordan Lyles, Corey Kluber and Kyle Gibson have all been added to the Lynn-Minor combo. But...will it undo some of the progress that's been done this year, especially with the outfield's depletion?

Rougned Odor did his usual thing. He struck out 178 times, hit .205, and still hit enough for power to still escape the hammer.
Why Him in 2019?: Led the team in home runs, RBIs and strikeouts.
2020 Prediction: Once he goes back below the Mendoza line, we think about a long-term replacement.

 Willie Calhoun fared better, and seeing as he's one of the few returning outfielders for 2020, he had better. He hit 21 home runs with a .269 average and some lackluster OF numbers.
Why Him in 2019?: Post-callup, he gave the team some clutch power, and hit .271 in 11 July games
2020 Prediction: A full season of work, and a full season of consistency. Expect some gradual shift to DH.

 After a brief comeback in Minnesota, Logan Forsythe continued his utility man goodwill, with 39 RBIs in 105 games. Yes, he did strike out 100 times, but for a non-starter, that's not to concerning.
Why Him in 2019?: Swung the infield after Cabrera left
2020 Prediction: Will start some games somewhere out of the question (Miami? Baltimore?)

 Asdrubal Cabrera had a strong finish to the season, but his start (first week notwithstanding) was relatively tame. In 93 games with Texas he hit .235 with 51 RBIs, which is more than a lot of full-year starters.
Why Him in 2019?: His first-half set the stage for a comeback with Washington
2020 Prediction: Will sign somewhere, though may not stay there the whole year.

 After getting next-to-no playing time in Atlanta, it took a trade for Chris Martin to get Kolby Allard the platform he needed. In 9 starts, he had a 4.96 ERA with 32 strikeouts, and had some nice big-game moments for the Rangers down the stretch. With the new rotation formation, one hopes he can still make a difference
Why Him in 2019?: Between him, Brock Burke, Adrian Sampson and Joe Palumbo, he had the best rookie pitching year
2020 Prediction: The Rangers will allow him some starts after May, and it'll prove to them how valuable he is.

And in the same vein, Nick Solak made a debut as a position player, and got some time at 3rd post-Cabrera. Solak was sharp at the plate, hitting .293 with 17 RBIs in 33 games, which is a nice, refreshing take for an older, rustier team.
Why Him in 2019?: Best rookie position player
2020 Prediction: Will get a starting position and raise some eyebrows early.

Coming Tomorrow- Two years running, one of the most fun teams to write about week-by-week, the Tampa Bay Rays.