These 4 non-roster invitees could make the Rangers' Opening Day roster

Every spring it seems the Texas Rangers have a non-roster invitee or two that has a true breakout spring and sneaks onto a roster because their player simply can't be ignored.

Two seasons ago it was first baseman Jared Walsh and last year it was a remarkable 18-game stretch for outfielder Kevin Pillar, who upon being released a month later, exposed the "rift" inside the Rangers' clubhouse.

Getting back on topic, thanks for the Rangers roster overhaul this winter, there a few roster spots up for grabs and the best opportunities for those on spring training invites have a good chance of being in Philadephia on March 26.

4 non-roster invitees to make the Rangers' Opening Day roster

Jonah Bride, INF

Bride, 30, was signed to a minor league deal by Texas during the Thanksgiving holiday and passed along an invite to spring training with a chance of competing for an infield bench spot. His chances remain high too thanks to his versatility on both corner positions (third and first base).

His numbers though haven't been great, hitting .221 for his career with just 12 home runs and 57 RBIs in 214 games with the Athletics, Marlins and Twins. Spring would have to go really well for Bride to be able to beat out a plethora of higher-potential options.

Cooper Johnson, C

This would go well if Texas was planning to carry three catchers on the Opening Day roster when the team begins their 2026 season against the Phillies. With Kyle Higashioka and Danny Jansen set to split reps at catcher, Johnson will likely end up in Triple-A Round Rock, if he remained with the team past spring.

Johnson's career numbers in the minors are not stunning but maybe he regains his form from 2024 which saw a jolt of power during his stint with Double-A Frisco. He has the best shot among the two non-roster catchers but it depends on a hot spring and some injuries.

Josh Sborz, RHP

The 32-year-old reliever is coming off a year of inactivity on the pitcher's mound as he recovered from shoulder surgery prior to the 2024 season. He was shut down in mid-2025 after the organization wasn't seeing progress they wanted during his rehab starts.

While his career numbers aren't terrific, he is riding off the high of the 2023 World Series run which earned him a new minor league deal in the first place after being released earlier in the offseason. If he's able to showcase that he's back on track, he'd be a leading candidate to join the rebuilding bullpen.

Tyler Wade, INF

Wade's signing was such a low-risk, potential high-reward for Texas following the Marcus Semien trade that left a hole at second base. Just like Bride, the 31-year-old brings versatility, having spent time at second base, shortstop and the outfield during his seven year career.

A career .216 hitter with only seven home runs has played in over 500 games spread out throughout the Yankees, Padres, Angels and Athletics. His appearance on the 2026 Opening Day roster lies on whether he shows his true value elsewhere.