He's played 7 positions, hit 17 HRs and just might take home some hardware

PHOENIX -- It’s one thing to record the fifth-most outs above average in baseball, 18, with just two weeks remaining in the regular season. Another is to do so while playing no less than seven different defensive positions, as is the case this year with Ezequiel Duran for the Rangers. Add to that 26 doubles, 17 home runs, 80 RBIs and a .770 OPS, and you’ve got a strong candidate for an American League Silver Slugger Award, in addition to a Gold Glove, in the utility category for 2026.

"No one plays shortstop like Zeke and also plays center field like Zeke ... and can play third and second and everywhere else," Rangers manager Skip Schumaker said. "He’s defensively fantastic, but he has 17 home runs and [80] RBIs. He can also steal, and he’s probably our best baserunner. He’s been fun to watch, a pleasure to be around in the clubhouse. I’m really happy [with] the type of year he’s having."

While Texas is still chasing the Astros for the AL West title and remains in the hunt for the AL's third Wild Card spot, Duran has been a constant for the club this year. He’s the team’s bWAR leader at 4.7, with 1.8 separating him from the next-best name on the team in that regard, Wyatt Langford. And in terms of fWAR, his total of 4.8 places him in a tie for 10th highest among all position players in baseball.

"Very blessed with the season that the Lord is allowing me to have," Duran said during the Rangers’ series against the Diamondbacks in Arizona, where Texas took two out of three contests. "I’d say that the key is that I am putting everything in the Lord's hands. And of course, like in everything, it's focus, work, my adjustments [in] hitting and defense ... everything.”

With significant playing time earlier this year at shortstop due to multiple injuries to Corey Seager and at third base during Josh Jung’s recent absence -- in addition to playing all three outfield positions at different points of the season -- Duran has delivered by far his best offensive campaign in the Majors, setting personal highs in practically every category. That includes an OPS+ of 122.

For Schumaker, having that type of defensive versatility, combined with a hitter 22 percent better than league average, has been crucial.

"He’s learning who he is as a player," said Schumaker, who credits Rangers hitting coach Alex Cintrón for much of Duran's breakout season at the plate. "He’s maturing as a hitter, and I think it’s the start of a really good career for Zeke.

“I think something is wrong if he doesn't win the Gold Glove. And I can't imagine he doesn't win a couple of awards, including the Silver Slugger. He’s had that kind of special year."

Duran, 27, is in his fifth Major League season. In 2023, he was a significant contributor in the Rangers' run to a World Series crown. Three years later, he’s raised his value as the club seeks to return to the postseason for the first time since the franchise’s first championship.

"I’d say that for me, what I want is to be in the lineup, helping my team win," said Duran of his defensive versatility. "I wouldn't say it's difficult, but [the key is] the focus and the training every day in the particular position that I have to play that day."

Has Duran thought about the likelihood of being an award winner in November?

"It would be a gift from the Lord, you know?" he said. "Grateful to him if that comes, but the important thing is that we are playing hard and helping my team win."