3 Rangers who can step into massive void left by prospect Sebastian Walcott's injury

The Rangers' No. 1 prospect, shortstop/third baseman Sebastian Walcott, is going to undergo elbow surgery due to a torn UCL and will likely miss most or all of the 2026 season, according to The Dallas Morning News' Evan Grant. He could've been ready to make his MLB debut in 2026 if Texas needed infield help. But now that he will be sidelined for a long time, these three Rangers could have an opportunity they wouldn't have had if it weren't for Walcott's injury.

3 Rangers who can step into massive void left by prospect Sebastian Walcott's injury

1B/2B Justin Foscue

Foscue, the Rangers' 2020 first-round draft pick, was among MLB Pipeline's top-100 prospects pre-2022. The 26-year-old has yet to have an opportunity to remain in the big leagues long-term, appearing in just four games in 2025 and 15 in 2024. While Josh Smith will more than likely be the Rangers' starting second baseman to begin the 2026 campaign, Foscue may still have an opportunity to stay in the big leagues long-term in 2026 in a platoon role, especially with Walcott's injury.

Texas may have been planning to have Walcott step up if Seager or Smith suffered injuries, or if Smith regressed significantly. Now, Foscue may be the guy the Rangers count on to start every day if they need middle infield help. If Seager gets hurt, Smith can move to shortstop while Foscue plays second. And if Smith suffers an injury or significant regression, Foscue can step in.

UTL Ezequiel Durán

Durán has been around for a while at this point, but Walcott's injury still may create a new opportunity for the utilityman. While he isn't the best hitter (although he finished the 2025 season strong), Durán's defense has significantly improved over the last two seasons. He can play every position except catcher (and pitcher, obviously). With Walcott certainly not playing for Texas in 2026, the Rangers can at least count on Durán to provide strong defense if Seager, Foscue or Smith end up sidelined with an injury, or if Smith or Foscue struggle significantly.

UTL Cameron Cauley

Cauley likely benefits from Walcott's unfortunate injury more than Foscue and Durán. Cauley has yet to make his MLB debut, while Foscue and Durán were already likely to be in the Rangers' big-league plans in 2026 before Walcott's injury. Cauley, who can play middle infield and outfield, could be a mid-season call-up if Texas needs middle-infield or even outfield help. Prior to Walcott's injury, Cauley's odds of making the big leagues in 2026 were low. Now, he has a decent shot.

Last season, Cauley posted a solid .253/.325/.448 slash line with 15 homers, 26 doubles, seven triples and 28 stolen bases in 113 games with Double-A Frisco. He's a strong defender and runner who has improved offensively as he's progressed through the minors. If needed, he could be a formidable option in the middle infield for the Rangers now that Walcott won't be ready to make his MLB debut for a while.