Two Truths, One Lie - Rangers Edition

Texas Rangers v Cincinnati Reds
Texas Rangers v Cincinnati Reds | Andy Lyons/GettyImages
4 of 5

Lie #1: Adolis Garcia is due for regression

Cuban slugger Adolis Garcia has always had loud tools. He has 80-grade power, a strong arm, and plus speed. Coming into his 30-year-old season, you'd expect some regression. However, the signs were there, especially regarding strikeouts (377) over the past two years. That swing and miss made me think his bat speed was slowing down. Unfortunately, that isn't the case.

We could still say the sample size is small (89 AB), but his strikeouts are down significantly (22). One month in the slash line is the best of his career (.258/.306/.845), resulting in a 132 wRC+. I see many of the same adjustments Eugenio Suarez made in Garcia's 2023 approach—more balls in play, a lower launch angle, and fewer strikeouts. We could see an MVP-caliber season if he continues to implement these adjustments.

Schedule