Potential Texas Rangers Opening Day Roster

The Rangers had a lot of turnover in the offseason with the losses of Adolis Garcia and Jonah Heim, while also shipping off Marcus Semien for Brandon Nimmo. Besides Nimmo, the team also brought in MacKenzie Gore and Danny Jansen, among others. This is also Skip Schumaker’s first year as the manager, so we aren’t sure what to completely expect. 

Potential Texas Rangers Opening Day Roster

Catcher (2): Kyle Higashioka and Danny Jansen

The Rangers parted ways with Jonah Heim this offseason and brought in Danny Jansen to replace him. Higashioka was the main catcher towards the end of last year for the Rangers, so it seems like the two will split time.

First baseman (1): Jake Burger

Burger’s first year did not go as planned, with a career-low batting average and the fewest home runs he has hit since 2022, when he appeared in only 51 games. The Rangers are hoping he can have a bounce-back year.

Second baseman (1): Josh Smith

This is the biggest position battle to watch coming into camp. Smith has the most experience compared to Cody Freeman, Ezequiel Duran, and others. He has also won a Silver Slugger for the utility position.

Shortstop (1): Corey Seager

This position is the easiest decision for the Rangers to make. While injuries limited him to only 102 games last year and have caused him to miss time in the past, Seager is still one of the best players in baseball.

Third baseman (1): Josh Jung

This is a prove-it year for Jung to see if he can tap back into his 2023 form, when he was an All-Star. He was healthier last year, but was unable to match his previous highs. A lot of eyes will be on the Rangers’ third baseman.

Right fielder (1): Brandon Nimmo

Schumaker has come out and said that Nimmo will be the right fielder for the Texas Rangers and the leadoff hitter.

Center fielder (1): Wyatt Langford

I think Langford would be the best option for the Rangers in center. He had ten outs above average last year, and while that time was split between center and left field, it is still impressive. It is also a position that can lead to more injuries, and I am a bit nervous about sticking Carter in the center, given his history.

Left fielder (1): Evan Carter

This is where Carter slots in, and he provides good defense in left field with four outs above average and a sprint speed in the 90th percentile. He would be great in left field if he can stay healthy.

Designated Hitter (1): Joc Pederson

Pederson is coming off the worst year of his career offensively with a .181 batting average and a .613 OPS. The Rangers have to hope that he bounces back, and he is making too much for them to give up on this early.

Bench (4): Sam Haggerty, Cody Freeman, Ezequiel Duran, and Michael Helman

Haggerty is a lefty killer with a .318 batting average against them last year and can play all over the outfield. Helman is another outfielder who can be used for his defense and helped provide a spark for the Rangers last year. Duran and Freeman are options for the infield, being able to play practically every position in the infield, plus the corner outfield if needed.

Starting Rotation (6): Nathan Eovaldi, Jacob deGrom, Jack Leiter, MacKenzie Gore, Kumar Rocker, and Jacob Latz

This may surprise people to see the Rangers go with a six-man rotation, but I think it could help with injuries and give Eovaldi and deGrom more time between starts. The first four guys are locks for the rotation, and I have a feeling that both Latz and Rocker will impress.

Bullpen (6): Chris Martin, Robert Garcia, Cole Winn, Alexis Diaz, Tyler Alexander, and Jakob Junis

Martin, Garcia, and Winn are locks for the bullpen after their performances last year. Alexander and Junis got big league money, and Diaz has experience as a closer.