Not much has gone the way the Texas Rangers wanted in 2022; especially considering that they spent around $600 million in improving the roster.
They fired their manager Chris Woodward and their general manager Jon Daniels in a span of two days; and own a disappointing 58-69 record.
They have had, however, some success in the player development department.
Adolis Garcia has been an above-average hitter despite his weaknesses, Martin Perez has had a fantastic season, and they have found two rock-solid relievers in Brock Burke and Matt Moore.
Yet, their biggest story of the year has been how first baseman Nathaniel Lowe became the best hitter on a team that also has Marcus Semien and Corey Seager.
His Success Goes Well Beyond The Past Week
Lowe has been particularly hot as of late, earning the American League Player of the Week honors.
“Nathaniel Lowe has been selected American League Player of the Week for Aug. 22-28, it was announced today by Major League Baseball. Lowe hit .385/.407/.923/1.331 (10-26) with 4 HR and 11 RBI in 6 games last week, leading all MLB players in RBI, HR (tied), and TB (tied-24),” the Rangers PR team reported via Twitter.
Nathaniel Lowe has been selected American League Player of the Week for Aug. 22-28, it was announced today by Major League Baseball.
Lowe hit .385/.407/.923/1.331 (10-26) with 4 HR and 11 RBI in 6 games last week, leading all MLB players in RBI, HR (tied), and TB (tied-24).
— Texas Rangers PR (@TXRangersPR) August 29, 2022
Those numbers are actually very impressive, but not as impressive as the fact his wRC+ (a stat to measure offensive performance) of 142 for the season is better than Seager’s 128 and Semien’s 101.
Lowe is hitting .300/.349/.498 with 22 home runs and a .847 OPS for the year and has broken out: he is now a legitimate force at the plate.
His success, therefore, isn’t just a one-week hot streak.
He has also driven in 65 runs.
The Rangers have to be very happy about the future, knowing that their lineup has an up-and-coming star in Lowe.
If they manage to dramatically improve their rotation and find some more bats next year, look out.
NEXT: Dallas Keuchel Is About To Get Yet Another Chance