Forums » Suggestions
Inside The Rangers Prospect Watch No. 4
-
Born: January 11, 1995Bats:RThrows: R Height:5'11" Weight: 190Drafted: 2016, 2nd round (by NYY). University of Louisville.Team: Texas Rangers (MLB)Other Team Rankings: Baseball America (4), MLB Pipeline (14)Career StatisticsPlayer BioNick Solak slashed .376/.470/.564 as a junior at the University of Louisville, earning his way to a second round selection and a $950,000 signing bonus from the Yankees in 2016. Before the start of the 2018 season, Solak was traded from New York to Tampa Bay in a deal Christin Stewart Jersey that sent Brandon Drury to the Bronx.Texas acquired Solak from the Rays last season in exchange for Peter Fairbanks. Shortly afterward Willie Horton Jersey , Solak made a very succe sful Major League debut as a Ranger. He was voted the team's 2019 Rookie of the Year.StrengthsSolak's biggest strength is his bat. He's a pure hitter with a short, clean stroke that is very repeatable. He has good bat-to-ball skills and controls the strike zone very well for a player of his age. He can spray the ball to all fields and has the power to hit the gaps in the outfield.He doesn't have eye-popping raw power, but his swing consistently generates very solid contact. He has proved he's no slouch in the power department, hitting a combined 32 home runs in 2019. He also po se ses natural instincts at the plate, resulting in good decision-making and quality at-bats.Solak is a good runner, which will aid his offensive game on the basepaths. He has the ability to play in the outfield, so his legs could also be an a set there defensively.Scroll to ContinueWeakne sesWhile Solak can play multiple positions, including experience at second base, third base, and any spot in the outfield, Daniel Norris Jersey his defense is a work in progre s.In the infield, he profiles more as a second baseman. His arm isn't reliable enough to play third base for an extended amount of time and is more suited for second base. To this point however, he's lacked fluid movement and solid footwork at second base, limiting his efficiency as a defender there.With his legs Matt Moore Jersey being a strength, outfield may be more suitable for him, but he lacks consistency there as well. Solak played left field for the Rays, but Willie Calhoun currently has that spot locked down for the Rangers.FutureSolak is a good bet to make the Rangers' Opening Day roster. He impre sed a lot of people last season, even in a small sample size. The Rangers want to find a place for his Joe Jimenez Jersey bat in Arlington.The Rangers currently have roadblocks at second and third base, but Solak could push for playing time at second base if Rougned Odor struggles. Solak will also workout at center field and first base at spring training, giving him more opportunities to earn at-bats at other positions. If he can improve defensively, Solak has the capability of being a very solid Major League player.Inside The Rangers Top 10 Preseason Prospect Rankings10. 3B 9. SS 8. RF 7. LHP 6. RHP 5. CF 4. 2B Nick SolakEach spot will be released daily.