Rangers Plan for Justin Foscue in Minors

Justin Foscue, a Top 10 prospect, went back to Rangers minor-league camp to prepare for the 2023 season.

The Texas Rangers know that the path for prospect Justin Foscue is blocked a bit by the presence of both Marcus Semien and Corey Seager as the team’s long-term middle infielders.

That is Foscue’s role in the minors. At least right now.

Foscue was sent to the minor-league camp on Saturday along with several other top prospects like pitchers Jack Leiter and Kumar Rocker.

Foscue impressed the Rangers and manager Bruce Bochy. He was the only Rangers hitter with a home run in each of the Rangers’ first two Spring Training games.

The Top 10 prospect is headed back to minor-league camp in part because he’ll get more playing time there. But the Rangers also have a plan for Foscue, one that might help pave him a path back to the Major Leagues one day.

“We’re going to try to create some more versatility for him,” Bochy said. “You know, third base, maybe even first base. Just keep some options open because the bat works very well.”

If the Rangers want to find a way to get his bat into their lineup one day, that versatility will be key.

Being able to play multiple positions is a requirement for Bochy’s backups. Brad Miller, Josh Smith, Ezequiel Duran and Bubba Thompson are displaying that versatility in Surprise.

Miller, Smith and Duran can all play infield and outfield. Thompson can only play outfield, but he can play all three positions.

For Foscue to get to Arlington one day, he’ll have to learn those same tools.

The bat is worth it.

He had a great season at Double-A Frisco last season. He played in 101 games and batted .288/.367/.483/.961 with 60 runs, 31 doubles, one triple, 15 home runs and 81 RBI. He walked 45 times, struck out 66 times, stole three bases and was caught stealing twice.

He played most of his games at second base (76), but he did play some third base (12 games) and was only charged with nine errors total.

The Rangers have taken notice of the bat. It’s likely other teams have, too, and Foscue could be a piece that the Rangers decide to move at this year’s trade deadline if it helps bolster the lineup.

The Rangers took him in the first round of the 2020 MLB Draft at No. 14 overall, making him the third-highest Mississippi State player taken in the MLB Draft, after Will Clark (No. 2) and Hunter Renfroe (No. 13). The Rangers paid Foscue a $3.25 million signing bonus.

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You can find Matthew Postins on Twitter @PostinsPostcard

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