3 Rangers position battles to watch in 2025 spring training

The Texas Rangers are just two years removed from the pinnacle of the sport, a World Series championship. Between 2023 and 2025 however is a less than stellar season where they dealt with injuries and lack of production, winning 12 less games and missing the playoffs.

There is a giant sense of optimism heading into spring training this season with the return of Jacob deGrom and young outfielder Evan Carter from injuries. As well, the addition of fresh new faces, most notably Jake Burger and Joc Pederson.

The bullpen, which was not as much of a struggle last year than in season's past went through a major overhaul after losing four crucial arms to free agency. The roster however, largely stayed in-tact and even improved with some offseason acquisitions. With that being said, there are still some roster battles and positional assignments left to be determined before the regular season begins.

Here are three position battles that I believe will be the biggest to solve during the Rangers spring training, and who is likely to win those battles.

Will Leody Taveras or Evan Carter start Opening Day in centerfield?

Might seem like an easy question to answer. since Carter is healthy and has a brighter future ahead with the Rangers. Why wouldn't they give him that chance?

Despite missing the majority of last season with a back injury, Carter's career numbers although a small sample size have been exactly what the Rangers want from their young stars.

On the other side of the question, Taveras has been with the Rangers for five seasons and while they have been up-and-down, he still provides a lot of depth and versatility as a switch-hitter.

I believe this one is less of a roster battle and more of a playing time related question to account for matchups and keeping everyone healthy for as long as they can. As for Opening Day, who starts in centerfield is all determined on pitching matchup. If Walker Buehler starts for Boston, Texas likely goes with Carter but if Garret Crochet gets the ball, then it'll be Taveras.

Who wins the Rangers' closing job out of spring training?

The Rangers will go into spring with this burning question. Who will close games in 2025?

Kirby Yates left for sunny Los Angeles while Jose Leclerc signed with the division foe Athletics, both of which were the Rangers last two closers. The front office made moves during the offseason to add depth to their bullpen but many of those arms lack experience shutting down games.

Right now Chris Martin is the favorite but Marc Church, Hoby Miler, Josh Sborz and Jacob Webb are potential alternatives. There has even been a report that the Rangers were externally having conversations in giving starter Jon Gray a shot at the closer job, although it is unsure how credible the rumor is.

Which pitcher takes that final rotation spot?

The first handful of spots in the starting rotation are pretty much locked in for the Rangers. Nathan Eovaldi and Jacob deGrom are entering the season as "co-aces" and will pitch 1-2 in the rotation while Cody Bradford and Tyler Mahle will follow..

That leaves the fifth and final rotation spot open for the taking. The Rangers have several promising options: Dane Dunning, Jon Gray, Adrian Houser, Jack Leiter and Kumar Rocker.

All five offer a their own unique skillsets. For example, Dunning provides innings and depth while Leiter and Rocker provide youth, athleticism and fireball velo; and deciding who gets that final spot is all based on what the Rangers are looking for out of that spot.

My wish would see one of Leiter or Rocker get that chance for the fifth spot but that'll require a nearly flawless spring to out-perform the other veteran options. But the Rangers might opt for the leadership of Dunning or Gray to round out the rotation with the two Vanderbilt guys there for depth.