Former Brewers slugger experiencing career revival with Rangers

Rowdy Tellez is many things: owner of some excellent nicknames, a powerful slugger with a 35-homer season on his ledger, and a star of some truly memorable highlights.

One thing he is not anymore, though, is a member of the Milwaukee Brewers.

And that's okay. After a three-year stretch in Milwaukee where he slashed .226/.305/.438 with 42 home runs (104 OPS+), the team and Tellez parted ways, as the Brewers signed Rhys Hoskins and the first baseman went to Pittsburgh to join the Pirates.

Tellez's production has slowed wildly since a breakout 2022 campaign with the Brewers, and his career appeared to be on its last legs after the Seattle Mariners designated him for assignment earlier in the season.

However, like most legends, Rowdy Tellez never dies. One month into his tenure with the Texas Rangers, the big man is starting to resemble his former self once more.

Rowdy Tellez harkening back to Brewers days during hot stretch with Rangers

Tellez made his debut in Texas on July 18, and ever since, he's been a force to be reckoned with at the plate.

With the Mariners this season, Tellez drew 185 plate appearances across 62 games. His 90 wRC+ and 26.5% strikeout rate were the worst figures he's posted since that disappointing 2023 campaign in Milwaukee.

However, with the Rangers, Tellez is slashing .270/.338/.508 in 27 games (71 plate appearances). His 137 wRC+ actually surpasses the 110 mark from his 2022 campaign, and is the highest number he's ever posted in his career besides his debut cup of coffee in 2018 with the Toronto Blue Jays.

He's hitting a home run in 5.7% of his plate appearances with the Rangers, which is nearly identical to the figure he put up in 2022 with the Brewers (5.8%). Given that he hit 35 home runs and slugged .461 in that campaign, it's safe to say the Rangers are getting the best version of Tellez right now.

While Tellez's success is fun to see, it's not like the Brewers are hurting for first base production right now. Andrew Vaughn has morphed into a superstar since coming over from the Chicago White Sox, and Rhys Hoskins had a 114 wRC+ and .767 OPS before landing on the injured list in July with a thumb injury. Once he returns, Milwaukee will have a formidable rotation at the cold corner.

Nevertheless, Tellez is a fan favorite for a reason, and the Rangers deserve credit for giving him another chance in the middle of a playoff race.

Brewers fans will get a chance to see Tellez in all his rowdy glory when the team travels to face the Rangers in Texas from September 8-10.