Which Texas Rangers Players Are 'Locks' To Make Opening Day Roster?
You know a ball club is built to win it all when deciding on a 26-man roster is tougher than an afternoon root canal with little Novocain.
At least several Texas Rangers could use a bit of the good stuff to numb the pain at the spring training when they're told they'll be headed back to the minors.
At least nine players are on the fence of making the Opening Day roster when the Chicago Cubs come to town. Barring a setback from Josh Jung and Corey Seager, eight starters from the World Series roster return this spring.
Despite needing to replace designated hitter Mitch Garver, Texas has options for the heart of the lineup.
Which players are 'locks' to make it back to Arlington? Let's break things down and determine the answer.
Catcher Jonah Heim
Heim's been one of the league's better defensive catchers for several seasons, but his 28-double year proved he's one of the more well-balanced players behind the backstop.
1B Nathaniel Lowe
Lowe earned his first Silver Slugger in 2022 after slashing .302/.358/.851 with a career-high .907 OPS. While he did take a step back, he's a vital part of the lineup and a consistent contact hitter.
2B Marcus Semien
Semien is on a seven-year, $175 million deal and just led the American League with 185 hits. Both he and Seager should once again be finalists for AL MVP.
SS Corey Seager
This is Seager's team until one of the young bucks takes over, and that could take years following his MVP-caliber second season in Arlington. Seager missed 43 games and kept the race close with Shohei Ohtani. Can you imagine him fully healthy?
3B Josh Jung
An AL Rookie of the Year finalist, Jung proved to be a consistent bat with upside defensive metrics and a bit of power. He's currently on the IL with a left calf strain, but is expected back for first pitch.
LF Evan Carter
Carter, a favorite to win AL Rookie of the Year, played a major role in helping the franchise win its first title. His speed should help out on the defense and the base path, plus there's upside power.
CF Leody Taveras
One of the best defensive outfielders by metrics, the 25-year-old fits beautifully in his No. 9 role. He might not be the long-term answer in center, but he's starting when the banner is unveiled.
RF Adolis García
An All-Star campaign and ALCS MVP later, García is one of the top right fielders entering 2023. Little to say other than...maybe take the early MVP odds?
OF Travis Jankowski
Jankowski inked a one-year deal to return as a defensive replacement and pinch-runner. He understands and thrives in the role. Nothing more. Nothing less.
UTIL Ezequiel Duran
Duran can play three of four infield spots and both corner outfields. He's too valuable to be sent down to Round Rock, even if his plate appearances were inconsistent.
SP Nathan Eovaldi
Without Eovaldi stepping up in place of Jacob deGrom, there is no World Series at Globe Life. It's only fitting the veteran gets the call for first pitch following a 12-5, 3.63 ERA season.
SP Jon Gray
Gray was always a lock to make the team, but he's now a lock to be a part of the rotation with three pitchers sidelined. He started in Colorado and was signed to be a part of the rotation. Maybe the move becomes permanent?
SP Andrew Heaney
Heaney's durable enough to give five strong every week. While perhaps better as a reliever, his starting experience saves him a spot with Tyler Mahle out until June.
SP Dane Dunning
See Heaney, copy and paste for Dunning.
SP Cody Bradford
Wash, rinse and repeat for Bradford, too. The only difference? Bradford could remain a part of the rotation after Max Scherzer, deGrom and Mahle return.
RP Kirby Yates
Yates inked a one-year deal after undergoing season-ending surgery. He's likely locked in for one of the setup roles as a veteran.
RP David Robertson
Robertson has closer experience, a significant weak point for the Rangers last season. He'll battle with Jose Leclerc for the closer spot throughout the season.
RP José Leclerc
Leclerc stepped up big in the big game. Can he step up as the consistent closer who won't blow save opportunities? If not, expect him to enter in either the seventh or eighth.
RP Josh Sborz
Sborz's 14.29 ERA was the largest on the team. He's a middle-of-the-pack guy.
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