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# Time catching up with Andrus, Isiah Kiner-Falefa to start at SS
- URL: https://theprospecttimes.com/isiah-kiner-falefa-to-start-at-shortstop/
- Published: 2020-12-02T01:42:12.000Z
- Updated: 2025-07-15T06:04:18.000Z
- Author: Heath Criswell
- Tags: MLB- Texas Rangers, Elvis Andrus, Isiah Kiner-Falefa, #Migrated-1752558658676, #wp, #wp-post, #Import 2025-07-15 05:51

Father time can be a real SOB and it is catching up to the Rangers shortstop position once again. The Texas Rangers infield will look a little bit different in 2021, specifically at shortstop and third base. Just when the Rangers are wanting to play the young guys, Isiah Kiner-Falefa will slide over to short. This further proves that we will see a younger team take the field in 2021.

Evan Grant, of the Dallas Morning News, is the beat-writer who broke the news. Anyone remember the Michael Young situation? This bears a resemblance to that.

It seems like yesterday that Elvis Andrus made his MLB debut (April 6, 2009) when he went 1-4.

Elvis was limited this year dealing with his back strain. In 29 games, Andrus hit a line of .194/.252/.330/.582 at the plate. I don't know how much stock I put in 29 games but it was enough to notice the slow-down, struggle.

## Where does Elvis Andrus go?

According to the tweet from TR Sullivan with [MLB.com](https://www.mlb.com/?ref=theprospecttimes.com), the Rangers plan to use Elvis as a super-utility infielder.

> Jon Daniels said Isiah Kiner-Falefa will get an opportunity to be the everyday shortstop. Elvis Andrus is being asked to be a utility infielder, confirming [@Evan\_P\_Grant](https://twitter.com/Evan%5FP%5FGrant?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=theprospecttimes.com) report from the afternoon  
>  
> — TR Sullivan (@Sullivan\_Ranger) [December 1, 2020](https://twitter.com/Sullivan%5FRanger/status/1333880287089094656?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=theprospecttimes.com)

Elvis Andrus is under contract through 2022 with an option for 2023 that becomes guaranteed with 550 plate appearances in 2022 or a combined 1,100 plate appearances in '21/'22\. That likely won't happen with today's news unless there is an injury. Also, due to his service time, Elvis can block any trade that might be worked out.

![Isiah Kiner-Falefa](https://theprospecttimes.com/content/images/2025/07/ikf-4_1604454145977-1.jpg)

Isiah Kiner-Falefa

## Isiah Kiner-Falefa to shortstop

[Isiah Kiner-Falefa](https://theprospecttimes.com/isiah-kiner-falefa-wins-gold-glove/), 25, won the Rawlings Good Glove award at third base in 2020 and the Rangers are rewarding him by switching positions. He had a .957 fielding percentage at the hot corner.

Offensively, he had a 1.8 rWAR and batted a line of .280/.329/.370/.699 at the plate with 3 home runs and 10 RBI. Supposedly the Rangers will give him the year (2021) to prove his value at shortstop. He played a ton at shortstop in the minor-leagues. This year, he played 15 games and had a 1.000 fielding percentage. In 2019 he played two games with a .923 fielding percentage.

As much as I love Elvis and don't want to witness a turnover at the position he's manned for 12 years, it is necessary at this point.