Rangers' Andy Ibanez: Favorite to start at third base
Ibanez is in line to serve as the Rangers' starting third baseman on Opening Day after Isiah Kiner-Falefa was traded to the Twins on Saturday, Kennedi Landry of MLB.com reports.
Manager Chris Woodward said Friday that Kiner-Falefa was the favorite for the starting job at third base to begin the season, but Ibanez should now have the chance to step up at the hot corner once the 2022 campaign gets underway. However, Rangers president of baseball operations Jon Daniels said Saturday that Yonny Hernandez will also have a chance to compete for the starting job at the hot corner, while the team will also explore external options, Chris Halicke of SI.com reports. The 28-year-old Ibanez made his major-league debut in 2021 and slashed .277/.321/.435 with seven homers, 31 runs and 25 RBI in 76 games.
