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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 |
Feb 27, 2024; Salt River Pima-Maricopa, Arizona, USA; Texas Rangers left fielder Wyatt Langford (82)
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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Texas Rangers spring training could create a dilemma for Rangers manager Bruce Bochy and his staff. Texas Rangers prospect Wyatt Langford is having success at the plate and is making it hard to envision a world where he's left off the Opening Day roster. Langford has a .353 batting average with three home runs and seven RBI.

In order for Langford to travel north with the team, the Rangers are going to have to find room on their 40-man roster for the 2023 fourth overall pick out of the University of Florida. Considering the Rangers almost shuffled cards around and promoted Langford a few months after he was originally drafted to make his MLB debut in the playoffs following Adolis Garcia's late-season injury, they've probably thought about this scenario before this spring. Nevertheless, the buzz has never been higher. Mike Maddux recently called Langford the "best player on the field". The hype is real.

The Rangers might have a situation like the Dallas Stars recently encountered when the end of spring training arrives. The Stars have two good prospects, Logan Stankoven and Mavrik Bourque. Both were forced to start the season down in the AHL because there was no room on the roster. This could happen to Langford due to the Rangers not having room on their roster.

Here are three players who could be on the hot seat of losing their roster spot if Langford forces the issue makes the Opening Day roster.

3 Rangers who could lose roster spot to Wyatt Langford

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.

3 Rangers who could lose roster spot to Wyatt Langford: Leody Taveras

Leody Taveras is the last player who could lose his roster spot to Langford. The Rangers would have to trade Taveras to add Langford to the roster, but I'm sure a team would take a flyer on him. This would allow Carter to move back to center field and allow Langford to have left field. Taveras' base running helped the Rangers win the World Series last year. However, having Langford's bat in the lineup could help the Rangers mask the pitching woes expected this season.

It would be nice to retain these three players and add Langford. However, if Langford were to finish spring training strong and not make the roster, some fans would certainly be left questioning the move by Bruce Bochy and the front office.

This is a great situation to be in as World Series Champions, and I'm sure other teams are jealous of the Rangers right now. The future is bright for the Rangers, even if Langford begins the season down in Triple-A with the Round Rock Express.

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