2022 Texas Rangers Position Battles: Catcher and Third Base

Well here we are, about a week from the regular season and with a shortened spring training, many players have been pressed to find a place to play the field. Barring a trade or unexpected signing, the Texas Rangers‘ 40-man roster is mostly set to start the season.

The problem is that even with the new rules, only 28 players can be on the active roster. That number shrinks to 26 once May starts. Another key factor to keep in mind is teams are allowed to carry as many pitchers as they want, but that number dwindles to 13 for May as well.

With multiple contestants competing for a rotation spot, it makes sense to have a few more starters, but there are plenty of other position battles going on as well. Unless there are injuries, the only secure spots are: 1B, 2B, SS, starting catcher, 2 starters and 1 OF. This leaves 21 other spots up for grabs.

Looking at 2022 Texas Rangers position battles

To shave that down, some bullpen pieces who are likely to make it are Joe Barlow, Spencer Patton, Nick Snyder, Garrett Richards, Brett Martin, Dennis Santana and Josh Sborz. Now, there are a few starter/bullpen types that will likely just be bullpen arms, but I’ll get to that. This brings it down to 14.

So let’s take a look at how this could break down before opening day. Oh, and to those hoping to see some of the younger prospects who are mashing right now, sorry, but you’ll have to wait for them.

2022 Texas Rangers position battles

3rd Base

The hot corner wasn’t much of a concern for the Texas Rangers going into the offseason. Speculation was made about how top hitting prospect Josh Jung was ready to hold down the spot and if not, Isiah Kiner-Falefa and his Gold Glove were more than capable. Well, as it goes with the best laid plans of mice and men, chaos happened. Jung suffered a left shoulder labrum tear and IKF took the round about way to becoming a Yankee.

Now, Jon Daniels has already commented saying that the third base void would not be a point of emphasis for the team, leaving us with internal candidates to choose from. Andy Ibanez, Nick Solak, Charlie Culberson and Yonny Hernandez are all likely to see time there. But which one is most likely to take the reigns?

Manager Chris Woodward has already stated Andy Ibanez has “some runway” there and is the strong favorite, but the dust hasn’t settled yet. Nick Solak is likely to bounce between OF/3B/DH as long as he continues to swing a hot bat. His “leash” is shorter this year and he’ll need to show that his success can be sustained. Culberson and Hernandez are dynamic infielders who can play multiple positions and that’s likely their role: utility players.

Final Call: Andy Ibanez

Right now, it’s Andy Ibanez’ time to prove that he deserves a spot on a competitive roster. 2022 is likely the final assessment year for these guys before they start their ascent into contention, so time is running short for them to grow.

After all, the quintet of Jung, Foscue, Smith, Duran and Wendzel are right around the corner.