“I feel confident going out into the field“Walcott told Grant.”I just feel like it’s pretty simple. Like you’re just dropping balls, catching flying balls. I think it’s just pure athleticism on the field.”

Walcott, 20, was in contention for a big league spot before an elbow injury destroyed his season. He benefited from an internal procedure to resolve the problem and did not wear his suit until mid-July. Walcott had another solid minor league season, slashing .322/.398/.586 with nine home runs and 11 steals in just 37 games in Double-A. He played two games at Triple-A to finish the year.

Walcott will likely open the year at Triple-A, but he should contribute with the Rangers soon. Adding the opportunity to play on the field will only strengthen his promotion bid. Walcott is currently stuck at shortstop by Corey Seager. Josh Jung had a solid season as an everyday third baseman. There is a vacancy at DH with Joc Pederson is headed to free agency, but Texas might be hesitant to stunt Walcott’s defensive growth by sticking him out there every day.