3 Rangers who could lose their 40-man roster spot to Wyatt Langford

Wyatt Langford climbed the Minor League ladder quickly last season after being drafted by the Texas Rangers. Langford showed why he was promoted fast during spring training this year. There is a possibility the Rangers might add him to the Opening Day roster this year. Here are three Rangers who could end up without a roster spot if Langford continues to shine in Surprise, Arizona.

By Brian Sweet | Mar 5, 2024

Feb 27, 2024; Salt River Pima-Maricopa, Arizona, USA; Texas Rangers left fielder Wyatt Langford (82) / Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports

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Rangers player who could lose roster spot to Wyatt Langford: Josh Smith

Josh Smith is a player that could find himself in the free agency pool if Langford makes the Opening Day roster. He finished last season with a .185 batting average and 15 RBI. Langford has a better bat than Smith and would be a better fit in left field. Smith was a utility player who used late in games as a base runner for slower players in 2023. Outside of that, Smith rarely saw the field unless there was an injury. If Langford continues to smoke the baseball over the fence, Smith could end up off the roster.

Rangers player who could lose roster spot to Wyatt Langford: Travis Jankowski

Even though the Rangers did sign Travis Jankowski to a recent one-year deal (worth $1.7 million), he's another player who could be left off the roster entirely.

He finished the season with a .263 average and 30 RBI. The reason why Jankowski would be cut is due to his contract. It wouldn't affect the Rangers' payroll much to absorb the cost, especially compared to the other outfielders on the roster.

Fans know that Evan Carter won't be cut under any circumstances because he's the future in center field. El Blondi could end up not running it back with the Rangers if Langford continues to do well.

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