Headlines

  • Angels Acquire LaMonte Wade Jr.
  • Braves Designate Craig Kimbrel For Assignment
  • Corbin Burnes To Undergo Tommy John Surgery
  • Braves Select Craig Kimbrel
  • Jerry Reinsdorf, Justin Ishbia Reach Agreement For Ishbia To Obtain Future Majority Stake In White Sox
  • White Sox To Promote Kyle Teel
  • Previous
  • Next
Register
Login
  • Hoops Rumors
  • Pro Football Rumors
  • Pro Hockey Rumors

MLB Trade Rumors

Remove Ads
  • Home
  • Teams
    • AL East
      • Baltimore Orioles
      • Boston Red Sox
      • New York Yankees
      • Tampa Bay Rays
      • Toronto Blue Jays
    • AL Central
      • Chicago White Sox
      • Cleveland Guardians
      • Detroit Tigers
      • Kansas City Royals
      • Minnesota Twins
    • AL West
      • Houston Astros
      • Los Angeles Angels
      • Oakland Athletics
      • Seattle Mariners
      • Texas Rangers
    • NL East
      • Atlanta Braves
      • Miami Marlins
      • New York Mets
      • Philadelphia Phillies
      • Washington Nationals
    • NL Central
      • Chicago Cubs
      • Cincinnati Reds
      • Milwaukee Brewers
      • Pittsburgh Pirates
      • St. Louis Cardinals
    • NL West
      • Arizona Diamondbacks
      • Colorado Rockies
      • Los Angeles Dodgers
      • San Diego Padres
      • San Francisco Giants
  • About
    • MLB Trade Rumors
    • Tim Dierkes
    • Writing team
    • Advertise
    • Archives
  • Contact
  • Tools
    • 2024-25 MLB Free Agent List
    • 2025-26 MLB Free Agent List
    • 2024-25 Top 50 MLB Free Agents With Predictions
    • Projected Arbitration Salaries For 2025
    • Free Agent Contest Leaderboard
    • Contract Tracker
    • Transaction Tracker
    • Agency Database
  • NBA/NFL/NHL
    • Hoops Rumors
    • Pro Football Rumors
    • Pro Hockey Rumors
  • App
  • Chats
Go To Pro Hockey Rumors
Go To Hoops Rumors

Breakout Candidate: Willie Calhoun

By Anthony Franco | March 28, 2020 at 9:26am CDT

Willie Calhoun was up and down between the majors and Triple-A quite a few times between 2017 and the first half of 2019. Last June, he got his long-awaited opportunity to play every day, emerging as the Rangers’ starting left fielder. He made the most of it at the plate, hitting .269/.323/.524 (110 wRC+) with 21 home runs in 337 plate appearances. Yet even those solid results seem to belie an impressive, exceedingly rare skillset. Very few players can match Calhoun’s combination of bat-to-ball skills and power.

Last year, Calhoun made contact on 85.4% of his swings; he swung and missed at just 7.2% of total pitches he saw, per Fangraphs. Both those marks are well better than the respective league averages of 76.2% and 11.1%. That places Calhoun among the top 30 or 40 contact hitters in the game- very good, if not quite exceptional. However, unlike many of the game’s bat control artists, Calhoun is also capable of doing damage. His 89.7 MPH average exit velocity would have placed him in the 63rd percentile leaguewide had he amassed enough plate appearances to qualify, per Statcast.

Combining elite bat-to-ball skills and above-average power on contact is tougher than one might expect. In 2019, only D.J. LeMahieu, Nick Markakis, Mookie Betts, Mike Trout, Anthony Rendon and Justin Turner had both a lower swinging strike rate and higher average exit velocity than did Calhoun (minimum 300 plate appearances). That’s an eye-catching assortment of names. It’s not a guarantee that Calhoun’s about to emerge as one of the game’s best hitters; Markakis, for instance, was merely average last year. But it does at least confirm Calhoun has a pair of key traits in common with many of the game’s best bats.

Maybe it isn’t surprising Calhoun seems to have massive offensive upside. He raked throughout his minor-league career, and scouts have long lauded his potential at the plate. There’s a reason Calhoun, while a prospect, headlined Texas’ return package for prime Yu Darvish despite concerns about his defense (which have also ultimately proven true). He’s a LF/DH at this point, so he’ll have to rake to warrant continued playing time.

To unlock the next gear offensively, the 25-year-old could stand to be a bit more selective. It seems reasonable to project that coming. After all, he’s only been an everyday big leaguer for half a season. He won’t ever be confused for Joey Votto, but given his other attributes, he needn’t be. Even a small progression in pitch selection could go a long way.

Calhoun should get every opportunity to cement himself as a middle-of-the-order force in Texas. While a scary hit-by-pitch fractured his jaw earlier this month, the most recent indication is that he’s recovering well.

Share 0 Retweet 13 Send via email0

MLBTR Originals Texas Rangers Breakout Candidate Willie Calhoun

Latest On MLB Plans For Team Employees
Main
Marlins Option Monte Harrison, Nick Neidert
View Comments (24)
Post a Comment

24 Comments

  1. Mrtwotone

    5 years ago

    Calhoun is gonna put up impressive numbers this season

    Reply
    • dynamite drop in monty

      5 years ago

      What season

      3
      Reply
      • dave frost nhlpa

        5 years ago

        Next season

        4
        Reply
      • Mrtwotone

        5 years ago

        If there is a season lol. If not next season.

        Reply
    • Ejemp2006

      5 years ago

      Calhoun reminds me of Delmon Young. So much raw talent for hitting the ball. If Calhoun has a disciplined off field regimen, then he could be special. Like MVP candidate special.

      Reply
  2. bobtillman

    5 years ago

    Calhoun = Shin Soo Chu Junior…valuable (actually Shoo’s always been under-rated IMHO) but limited….but he can be an integral part of a competitive franchise….

    Reply
    • The Human Rain Delay

      5 years ago

      Choo was a 390 obp guy in his prime year after year…Calhoun doesnt really have the eye for that but he def has more power in the tank than Choo-

      Reply
  3. DarkSide830

    5 years ago

    Calhoun is so slept on now because of his defence. that aside he will be very good.

    Reply
    • mack22 2

      5 years ago

      Isn’t that what you said about Muncey after his rookie season?

      Reply
  4. toooldtocare

    5 years ago

    Put up good numbers last year, and got some clutch hits. Just hope the “beaning” doesn’t make him gun shy.

    Reply
    • HubcapDiamondStarHalo

      5 years ago

      I always wonder about that. I’m pretty sure that among the many reasons I wouldn’t be a major leaguer would be hesitation to get back in the box after a hit like that.

      Reply
      • bravos14

        5 years ago

        My last organized game as a kid, teenager, I struck out 3 times, including the last out of the game. All nine called strikes were curveballs, I’d swear I thought all nine were coming straight at my head.
        I did make a great leaping catch above the outfield fence, but the scorecard doesn’t reflect that.

        1
        Reply
  5. Perksy

    5 years ago

    I have also three Texas hitters – Calhoun, Santana, and Solak at a $1 each in my keeper league.

    Reply
    • Perksy

      5 years ago

      *all three

      Reply
    • Basebal101

      5 years ago

      Maybe you could find a different site to post where anyone would actually care about your fantasy baseball team…

      Reply
  6. mlbnyyfan

    5 years ago

    Let’s hope Calhoun produces. They basically gave away Darvish for nothing

    Reply
    • toooldtocare

      5 years ago

      The upside for Calhoun is a lot better than what Darvish was going to give the Rangers. Hasn’t really been an Ace since Rangers traded him, and really never was as a Ranger. I’m a Rangers fan and Sesaon Ticket Holder, so I’m not bashing Darvish, just calling it as I saw it.

      Reply
      • BobbyLox69

        5 years ago

        I totally agree. Seeing how similar rental trades have gone since then, I think the Rangers got a decent return for Darvish in Calhoun.

        1
        Reply
    • MikeEmbletonSmellsBad

      5 years ago

      Were about to lose Darvish for nothing anyway.

      Reply
  7. brucenewton

    5 years ago

    Dodgers may need him back next year if Joc and Mookie walk.

    Reply
    • bravesfan88

      5 years ago

      Nope, better look again, the Dodgers just graduated yet another above average, versatile replacement…lol

      Their cupboard will never be empty the way they’re developing prospects and players..It is just ridiculous how well their organization is ran. As a fan of baseball in general, you cannot help but admire the sheer amount of talent and depth they have managed to acquire, develop, and show off at the ML level..

      1
      Reply
  8. Chisox378

    5 years ago

    Yes, this player looks to be special.

    Reply
  9. eephus11

    5 years ago

    Hopefully he doesn’t spend a major part of the season fighting ghosts in the box after getting clocked. It’s tough mentally to deal with that and then a long competitive layoff.

    Reply
  10. goose77

    5 years ago

    The idea behind this article suggest Calhoun is going to breakout. Exactly how, with what he has shown so far? It’s not logical, regardless if you support him or the team. I’d love to see the guy succeed, but my gosh here stands a guy at the plate that has only an 89 exit velocity. That doesn’t even grace the top 200 players and that’s on his best day-translation=fly out at the wall. Then you have a .269BA and the comparison becomes he was awesome in the PCL, what batter isn’t? Add in a lower defense metric. And while spring training doesn’t count for much, I’d say his attitude plays on par with that sentiment. What did he have 3 hits on 27 ABs against not so good pitchers? It shows he isn’t trying and doesn’t care which is his profile about the effort he puts in consistently. His simulated path has him batting a .125? OMG, how is that even a breakout candidate, more a break your heart candidate. Again, I’d love to see him succeed but no way can this player be classified as a breakout. Breakout should be reserved for top notch players that a franchise can develop around. Calhoun is a guy who doesn’t show the consistency, effort, knowledge and growth to compete as a breakout. Quad A player, but because he is every day call him a stop gap til guys like Heriberto Hernandez gets the call.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Please login to leave a reply.

Log in Register

ad: 300x250_1_MLB

    Top Stories

    Angels Acquire LaMonte Wade Jr.

    Braves Designate Craig Kimbrel For Assignment

    Corbin Burnes To Undergo Tommy John Surgery

    Braves Select Craig Kimbrel

    Jerry Reinsdorf, Justin Ishbia Reach Agreement For Ishbia To Obtain Future Majority Stake In White Sox

    White Sox To Promote Kyle Teel

    Sign Up For Trade Rumors Front Office Now And Lock In Savings!

    Pablo Lopez To Miss Multiple Months With Teres Major Strain

    MLB To Propose Automatic Ball-Strike Challenge System For 2026

    Giants Designate LaMonte Wade Jr., Sign Dominic Smith

    Reds Sign Wade Miley, Place Hunter Greene On Injured List

    Padres Interested In Jarren Duran

    Royals Promote Jac Caglianone

    Mariners Promote Cole Young, Activate Bryce Miller

    2025-26 MLB Free Agent Power Rankings: May Edition

    Evan Phillips To Undergo Tommy John Surgery

    AJ Smith-Shawver Diagnosed With Torn UCL

    Reds Trade Alexis Díaz To Dodgers

    Rockies Sign Orlando Arcia

    Ronel Blanco To Undergo Tommy John Surgery

    Recent

    Poll: What Will The Rangers Do At The Deadline?

    Mets Select Justin Garza

    Trade Rumors Front Office Subscriber Chat: Today At 2pm CT

    Submit Your Questions For This Week’s Episode Of The MLBTR Podcast

    Latest On Dodgers’ Rotation

    The Opener: Phillies, Wade, Perez, Dodgers, Padres

    Angels Acquire LaMonte Wade Jr.

    Blue Jays Notes: Scherzer, Varsho, Francis

    Pirates Reportedly Receiving Interest In Isiah Kiner-Falefa

    Angels Sign Ben Gamel To Minor League Deal

    ad: 300x250_5_side_mlb

    MLBTR Newsletter - Hot stove highlights in your inbox, five days a week

    Latest Rumors & News

    Latest Rumors & News

    • 2024-25 Top 50 MLB Free Agents With Predictions
    • Nolan Arenado Rumors
    • Dylan Cease Rumors
    • Luis Robert Rumors
    • Marcus Stroman Rumors

     

    Trade Rumors App for iOS and Android

    MLBTR Features

    MLBTR Features

    • Remove Ads, Support Our Writers
    • Front Office Originals
    • Front Office Fantasy Baseball
    • MLBTR Podcast
    • 2024-25 Offseason Outlook Series
    • 2025 Arbitration Projections
    • 2024-25 MLB Free Agent List
    • 2025-26 MLB Free Agent List
    • Contract Tracker
    • Transaction Tracker
    • Extension Tracker
    • Agency Database
    • MLBTR On Twitter
    • MLBTR On Facebook
    • Team Facebook Pages
    • How To Set Up Notifications For Breaking News
    • Hoops Rumors
    • Pro Football Rumors
    • Pro Hockey Rumors

    Rumors By Team

    • Angels Rumors
    • Astros Rumors
    • Athletics Rumors
    • Blue Jays Rumors
    • Braves Rumors
    • Brewers Rumors
    • Cardinals Rumors
    • Cubs Rumors
    • Diamondbacks Rumors
    • Dodgers Rumors
    • Giants Rumors
    • Guardians Rumors
    • Mariners Rumors
    • Marlins Rumors
    • Mets Rumors
    • Nationals Rumors
    • Orioles Rumors
    • Padres Rumors
    • Phillies Rumors
    • Pirates Rumors
    • Rangers Rumors
    • Rays Rumors
    • Red Sox Rumors
    • Reds Rumors
    • Rockies Rumors
    • Royals Rumors
    • Tigers Rumors
    • Twins Rumors
    • White Sox Rumors
    • Yankees Rumors

    ad: 160x600_MLB

    Navigation

    • Sitemap
    • Archives
    • RSS/Twitter Feeds By Team

    MLBTR INFO

    • Advertise
    • About
    • Commenting Policy
    • Privacy Policy

    Connect

    • Contact Us
    • Twitter
    • Facebook
    • RSS Feed

    MLB Trade Rumors is not affiliated with Major League Baseball, MLB or MLB.com

    hide arrows scroll to top

    Register

    Desktop Version | Switch To Mobile Version