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Seven best young lineups heading into 2017 MLB season

MBL lineups, Javier Baez

4. Texas Rangers

Joey Gallo

The Rangers make it onto this list due to potential as much as anything else, which could end up being a problem for them. But it nonetheless counts. Infielder Jurickson Profar is 24 and hasn’t yet done anything in the majors to indicate he’ll live up to his potential, but he still ranks as a former top prospect. There’s always a chance that Profar’s talent will come to fruition, so at least for now, we have to consider him here.

There are also questions surrounding first baseman Joey Gallo. Mainly: what does he do besides hit for power? In AAA ball last season, Gallo hit 25 bombs and struck out 34.6 percent of the time. He’ll get more major league at-bats this season and he has to prove himself as something other than the next Chris Carter.

The Rangers do have some concrete young talent as well.

Right fielder Nomar Mazara posted solid numbers in his rookie season — Texas should be encouraged by his .266/.320/.419 slash line at age 21. Outfielder Delino DeShields’ numbers took a hit last season, but if he plays for a full season, there’s potential for 40 steals. Second baseman Rougned Odor is only 23 and coming off a season in which he slugged .502 and jacked 33 home runs.

And if the baseball thing doesn’t work out, there’s a career in career in boxing waiting for him.

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