Robbie Grossman Gives Rangers Another Outfield Option
Texas Rangers manager Bruce Bochy will have another potential outfield candidate when Robbie Grossman reports to Spring Training on Monday.
The Rangers signed him to a one-year Major League contract on Friday, a deal that could be worth up to $5 million, depending upon incentives.
Bochy saw Grossman play during his days as manager of the San Francisco Giants, so he knows what he’s getting from the switch-hitting outfielder.
“He’s got some great qualities about him — he’s great in the clubhouse, a great teammate, but obviously he gives us another experienced bat up there and a guy that knows how to play the game,” Bochy said. “I’ve seen him from the other side and I’m excited to have him. I know that it feels kind of crowded right now, but it’s good to have an experienced guy.”
Grossman walks into an outfield situation where the Rangers appear set at right field and center field with Adolis Garcia and Leody Taveras, respectively.
But left field is another story, and that position could ultimately turn into a platoon situation.
Some of the current options on the roster include incumbent Bubba Thompson, along with Josh Smith and Ezequiel Duran. The latter two have piqued interest on the trade market.
There is also Mark Mathias, who was acquired last season and can play infield and outfield. The Rangers could even use veteran Brad Miller in left field.
Grossman, a 10-year veteran who's played for five teams, has a .245 career batting average with 80 home runs and 336 RBI. He finished last season with the Atlanta Braves. He’s considered a quality option against left-handed pitching.
Grossman will push Thompson in Spring Training. Thompson is coming off a 2022 in which he batted .265/.302/.312/.614 in 55 games with the Rangers after his call-up in August. Thompson is perhaps the fastest player on the roster. He stole 18 bases with the Rangers after setting a Triple-A Round Rock record for stolen bases before his call-up. He has a solid glove but hasn’t shown much power.
Still, Thompson could ultimately be the long-term option for the Rangers. He just doesn’t have the track record yet. The same is true for Smith and Duran, both of whom are infielders trying to find a role as an outfielder, and Mathias, who despite his versatility, has just 127 MLB at-bats.
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