3 Rangers Who Should Sit Out 2020 if Rob Manfred Institutes 50-Game Season

Following a 78-84 campaign last year, the Texas Rangers don't figure to compete for the postseason in 2020. Throw in the increasing likelihood that MLB commissioner Rob Manfred steps in and institutes a 50-game season, and it's possible that a number of players consider not even participating.

Unfortunately for the Rangers, they have a slew of players who are locked down long term or entering contract years, and therefore have the perfect excuse to sit out. With this in mind, here are three players who should do just that.

3. Elvis Andrus

Texas Rangers shortstop Elvis Andrus / Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

Texas locked up star shortstop Elvis Andrus through 2024 when they signed him to an eight-year, $120 million contract extension back in 2013. That will unquestionably be his one and only lucrative deal as a pro. The 31-year-old vet electing to sit out this season would tack on another year at the end of that deal, allow him to earn his full salary instead of a nonsense prorated one, and further strengthen his chances at finishing his career with the Rangers. That should be his long-term goal.

2. Mike Minor

Texas Rangers left-hander Mike Minor / Rick Yeatts/Getty Images

At 32 years old, this is likely Mike Minor's last chance at banking a lucrative contract. As an impending free agent, the 2019 All-Star should absolutely remain in street clothes this year. He could bet on himself to be lights out across 50 games, but his margin for error would be incredibly small. Essentially, each of his starts would become three-times as important. The safer bet for Minor would be to sit out and return in 2021 with a full 162 games to showcase his worth to potential suitors.

1. Cody Allen

Texas Rangers right-hander Cody Allen / Stacy Revere/Getty Images

Cody Allen's career has spiraled out of control across the last two campaigns. After posting a sub 3.00 ERA from 2012-2017, the 31-year-old reliever has logged a 5.48 ERA and 1.64 WHIP since then. The Rangers signed him to a minor-league contract with an invitation to Spring Training this offseason. As much as Allen might be motivated to get his career back on track in 2020, a year off to improve his mechanics and mentality is probably the better decision. We just don't see how playing in a shortened season would work to his benefit.