Get ready for an exciting season with the 2026 Rangers! We've got a roster projection that's sure to spark some debate and intrigue.
The Rangers' Spring Training Journey: Health, Culture, and a Surprising Twist
The early days of spring training have been all about keeping the team healthy and building a positive culture. While there's been a smooth start, we can't ignore the elbow surgery of prospect Sebastian Walcott. Oops! But let's focus on the bright side - no early muscle strains and a great vibe with the new manager, Skip Schumaker, and his empowered coaching staff.
Now, it's time to dive into the evaluation process. With games kicking off soon, we're faced with some intriguing questions about the roster, especially in areas that were once strengths and weaknesses.
The Pitching Conundrum: A Strength Turned Question Mark
Surprisingly, the pitching staff, once a strong suit, now has more questions than the position players, who were a glaring weakness in 2025. There's a key rotation issue that could impact the bullpen, and multiple roles up for grabs in the bullpen itself. Add to that a couple of fringe spots on the bench, and you've got a manager's nightmare - or a fan's dream, depending on how you look at it!
So, how will Schumaker navigate these challenges? Let's take a closer look at our projected opening day roster and the decisions that could shake things up.
Starting Rotation (5):
- RHP Jacob deGrom
- RHP Nathan Eovaldi
- LHP MacKenzie Gore
- RHP Jack Leiter
- RHP Kumar Rocker
Decision Point: Who takes the No. 5 starter spot? The Rangers want Rocker to secure it, but Jacob Latz, with his impressive eight starts last year, is determined to win the job. It's a tough call, and Latz might need to knock Rocker out of the running, not just pitch a bit better.
Watch Out For: Rocker's changeup. He needs a third pitch, and he's committed to making it his own. But he must show confidence in this pitch, something he lacked last year. A good changeup could give him an edge against lefties and keep right-handers guessing.
X-Factor: Even if Latz outperforms Rocker, he might still end up in the bullpen. Cal Quantrill, a former 15-game winner, is in camp on a non-roster deal and could compete for the fifth spot. And let's not forget free agent Patrick Corbin, who had a successful minimal deal with performance bonuses last year.
Bullpen (8):
- RHP Chris Martin
- LHP Robert Garcia
- LHP Jacob Latz
- RHP Jakob Junis
- RHP Cole Winn
- LHP Tyler Alexander
- RHP Carter Baumler
- RHP Alexis Diaz
Decisions to Make: At least three roster spots and multiple roles are up for grabs. Martin and Garcia are the favorites to close, but it's not set in stone. Latz could be an option too. Baumler's spot on the roster is crucial, and the Rangers might have to offer him back to Baltimore if he doesn't make the cut.
Keep an Eye On: Non-roster righty Gavin Collyer. He's been the talk of camp with his 97-99 mph fastball, a nasty slider, and a cutter that's hard to hit. He's got the potential to be a high-leverage arm, but he needs to work on his control.
Catchers (2):
- C Kyle Higashioka
- C Danny Jansen
Decision: Can one of these catchers be used as a part-time DH from the right side? It could provide some flexibility, but workload management is key.
Watch For: Willie MacIver's enthusiasm. Can he make enough of an impression for the Rangers to carry a third catcher? It's a long shot, but injuries are always a concern, especially with catchers in their 30s.
X-Factor: Beyond MacIver, there's Jose Herrera, but his career .539 OPS might not be enough. The Rangers might need to find additional depth at this position.
Infielders/DH (6):
- 1B Jake Burger
- 2B Josh Smith
- SS Corey Seager
- 3B Josh Jung
- DH-1B Joc Pederson
- UTL Ezequiel Duran
Question: Is Josh Smith the everyday second baseman or part of a platoon? While the Rangers say there's competition, it seems like Smith has the edge, but he might sit against lefties.
Keep an Eye On: Cody Freeman and his boundless energy. If he has a strong spring, he could challenge Duran for a spot, especially if Josh Jung struggles.
X-Factor: Veteran utility player Tyler Wade, who has started 67 games at short, could be a challenger to Duran, but his poor performance (.541 OPS) in the last two years might work against him.
Outfielders (5):
- LF Wyatt Langford
- CF Evan Carter
- RF Brandon Nimmo
- UTL Sam Haggerty
- OF-DH Mark Canha
Decision: Does Mark Canha, 37 and coming off a poor season, still have value as a right-handed DH and pinch-hitter against lefties?
Watch For: Evan Carter's performance against lefties. The Rangers want to see him as the everyday center fielder, but his numbers against lefties might push him to a corner position, which would move Langford to center.
Potential X-Factors: Alejandro Osuna, with his energetic play and solid approach, could force the Rangers to consider him more strongly, especially with the emphasis on energy and culture.
Get ready for an exciting season, Rangers fans! Who do you think will make the cut? And what surprises might we see? Let's discuss in the comments!
