It’s time to review the Texas Rangers’ players, including catcher Sam Huff.
Huff’s year was a mix of positive and negative developments. He made progress in his development compared to the past two years, which were impacted by the pandemic and knee surgery that limited his play to first base and designated hitter duties. In 2022, he remained healthy and played behind the plate in both the majors and minors.
Sam Huff moved between AAA and the Major’s
Throughout the season, Sam Huff moved between Round Rock and Arlington several times. He briefly joined the major league team when Jonah Heim went on paternity leave, playing one game before returning to Round Rock. A week and a half later, he was called up to replace the injured Mitch Garver, and he remained on the roster when Garver could not catch. However, in mid-June, the Rangers sent him back to Round Rock and bought the contract of Meibrys Viloria, who became the team’s backup catcher.
Huff spent roughly three weeks in Triple-A before returning to the majors the week before the All-Star Game. He started two games as catcher and designated hitter, respectively, and finished a game at first base before being sent back down to make room for Nick Solak, even though he had only recently returned to the team. This decision raised questions as to why he was brought up in the first place.
Sam Huff stayed in Round Rock until early September, when he was called up for semi-regular play over the final month of the season. He finished the year with a .240/.303/.372 slash line in 132 plate appearances for the Rangers, as well as a .260/.336/.533 slash line for Round Rock.
Not sure where Huff will be at the start of 2023 season
Huff’s scouting report remains unchanged. He has a strong arm and immense power, but he struggles with contact and needs to improve his defense. Although some speculate that he could play first base or designated hitter, he is unlikely to hit enough to excel in either role.
Sam Huff has one option remaining and could start the season in Round Rock, where he could play regularly, while Heim and Garver share catching duties in the majors. Manager Bruce Bochy has expressed interest in carrying three catchers, and Garver’s defensive limitations and durability concerns could result in him seeing more playing time at designated hitter, leaving someone else to share catching duties with Heim. The league’s new rules, which limit pickoff throws and increase the size of bases, could result in more stolen base attempts, which could benefit Huff, whose throwing arm is his strength.
Huff and Heim could form a strong catching tandem, with Huff potentially serving as a backup, or more if he can improve his strikeouts. The 2023 season will be crucial for Huff’s future prospects.
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