After what had to be a disappointing big-league stint with the Texas Rangers this past season, corner infield prospect Mike Olt ended a stay in the Dominican winter league this past week and returned back to the States.
Olt has been a big piece in trade talks — or at least speculation — this offseason and could be a key piece in a trade to acquire a starting pitcher or a big bat to help replace the likely departed Josh Hamilton.
In 2012, Olt had a big debut with an RBI in his first game but hit just .152 in his 33 at-bats while seeing time at first base, third base and right field. In his Dominican stint, Olt hit .250 with eight RBIs in 56 at-bats.
As we've said before, Olt probably isn't truly ready to be in the big leagues when the 2013 season gets underway, not like Jurickson Profar is, anyway. It would probably serve Olt well to get another 200-300 at-bats in the minors and the Rangers should be able to accomodate that with Adrian Beltre and Mitch Moreland manning the corner infield spots and the outfield full of options, including Nelson Cruz, and whoever else is brought in in the coming months.
