SURPRISE, Ariz. — You cannot make the team in the first week of spring training, is how the line goes. But you certainly can make an impression.
And after just a few days, catcher Willie MacIver has stood out for Rangers manager Skip Schumaker.
“His personality is unbelievable,” Schumaker said of the 29-year-old who was claimed off waivers from the transient Athletics in November. “With every pitch, there is something positive coming from that kid’s mouth. I think everybody is probably requesting to throw to him because they feel like a Hall of Famer when they come off the mound. It’s a blast to hear him talk it honestly.”
MacIver, who got 33 games of experience last year with the A’s, will likely be the Rangers’ third catching option this season behind Kyle Higashioka and Danny Jansen. He has two minor league options remaining, so he can be shuttled back and forth between Round Rock and the majors if either of the two primary catchers suffers a minor injury, but the club also believes he’s capable of extended play in the case of a more traumatic injury.
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He’s a solid receiver, but his personality can also have a positive impact beyond what he does on the field. To that point, Schumaker busted out a comparison. He invoked the patron saint of good vibes among journeymen catchers.
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“I mean, honestly, he reminds me of an Austin Hedges personality,” Schumaker said. “He said, ‘God’s blessed me with one thing for sure, I always wake up in a really good mood and it’s all day long.’“
Rangers fans should be familiar with the Hedges’ vibe factor. A late acquisition during the 2023 stretch run, Hedges’ infectious personality helped inject some additional energy into the Rangers in the latter stages of the 2023 season and kept things loose through the playoffs.
So, you could say MacIver has at least one tool in his belt.
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