Rangers' Andy Ibanez: Leader among 3B pack
Texas manager Chris Woodward suggested Tuesday that a platoon at third base is possible, but indicated Ibanez could be the everyday starter, Kennedi Landry of MLB.com reports.
Although prospect Josh Jung (shoulder) will eventually take control of third base, his injury will keep him out until late in the season. Who mans the hot corner until Jung is ready should be one of the more closely watched job battles in camp. Ibanez slashed .277/.321/.435 with a 107 OPS+ through 76 games in 2021, but only 11 of those came at third base. He's improved his defense since joining the Rangers, and he appears to have the offensive edge over other candidates. "As far as Andy goes, if he hits, if he plays the position really well and hits at a high clip, he may end up being the everyday guy," Woodward said, while adding Ibanez will have to earn it. The manager said Nick Solak, who had been mentioned as a candidate, will mainly be focused on left field. Yonny Hernandez remains in the mix, but he doesn't have the offensive profile that Ibanez does. Any prospects that profile at third base are unlikely, as president of baseball operations Jon Daniels emphasized the organization will not rush prospects.
