Where’s Nick? Solak could be latest version of Texas Rangers’ most versatile player
The Texas Rangers have developed a fun little game the past few seasons, as they lean on player versatility to help them navigate the long 162-game schedule with more ease.
In 2017, the game was Where’s Jurickson? Jurickson Profar, the former top prospect, played five positions.
A season later, it was Where’s Isiah? Isiah Kiner-Falefa played four positions as a rookie but received bonus points for one of them being catcher.
It will be hard for anyone to top the seven positions Danny Santana played in 2019, including Santana himself this season.
The 2020 version of the game might be Where’s Nick? It appears Nick Solak is morphing into a super-utility player, but he could end up playing every day if Rougned Odor flops again at second base.
As spring training nears, Solak’s roster chances are bolstered by his versatility as well as MLB expanding active rosters to 26 players.
“In our conversations, it’s been consistent from the end of last year and through the off-season,” Solak said. “The versatility, the ability to play multiple positions, whether that’s in the infield or in the outfield, and to get my reps at a lot of different positions. Going into spring training, it sounds like that is the idea and plan.”
Solak said that he has taken grounders at second base and third, in addition to working on footwork and turning double plays. He is also taking fly balls in the outfield and working on his arm strength, which had been an area of concern for him at third base.
A right-handed hitter, Solak could spell Odor, a left-handed hitter, at second base against tough lefty pitchers, or play third while Todd Frazier gives lefty-hitting Ronald Guzman a day off against a problematic lefty.
If manager Chris Woodward wants to give Santana a day off in center field, Solak could play there, too.
There are many avenues to get Solak, still an MLB rookie, consistent at-bats to keep his swing sharp rather than stashing him away at Triple A Nashville for regular at-bats.
One avenue is the extra roster spot. MLB has mandated no more than 13 pitchers, but a four-man bench still yearns for multiple utility players.
“I wish I would have had that a few times last year,” Woodward said. “It helps from a pitching standpoint or even just an extra bat to have available. Maybe keeping that extra bat on the bench provides a little bit more versatility for a manager to go to at times. I want that extra guy, as every manager does.”
Solak can’t play shortstop, so the Rangers will need to carry an infielder who can. Kiner-Falefa, no longer a catcher, could be that player. Even with Solak able to play center field, the Rangers’ bench is expected to have an outfielder who can play center.
Scott Heineman fits that description, and he can also play first base. The Rangers are still searching outside the organization for a center fielder.
The 26th roster spot might also give the Rangers enough room for a third catcher, which could benefit Jose Trevino after the acquisition of Robinson Chirinos. If the Rangers go with two catchers, Jeff Mathis will be on the bench most of the time.
Solak hasn’t been asked to catch. Yet.
“I’ve got pretty much any glove I could need other than a catcher’s glove,” he said.
