3 surprising Rangers that could make the 2024 Opening Day roster, and 2 that won’t

Opening Day is almost here, Rangers fans. For the first time in franchise history, Texas will be looking to repeat as World Series champions. But the 2024 Rangers roster won't look the same as the one that took home the Commissioner's Trophy last October.

For starters, the Rangers will be without three of their starting pitchers. Max Scherzer, Jacob deGrom, and free agent pickup Tyler Mahle will open the season on the IL. Nathaniel Lowe will be sidelined to start the 2024 season as well, and there are questions regarding Corey Seager's availability a week from now.

But that affords a few players the opportunity to make their own run at the Rangers Opening Day roster. What might happen between now and March 28?

3 surprising Rangers that could make the 2024 Opening Day roster, and 2 that won’t

Travis Jankowski, Rangers OF

Some Rangers fans may not consider this a surprise, but after seeing Wyatt Langford muscle his way onto the Opening Day roster, questions are sure to arise about whether or not to include Jankowski among the 26 players leaving Arizona bound for Texas.

But with Langford likely ticketed to be the Rangers designated hitter, Jankowski can be the team's fourth outfielder heading into the 2024 season. His spot may eventually disappear based on how good Langford has been swinging the bat this spring, but Jankowski brings certain intangibles to the table and is well liked by his teammates and the Rangers coaching staff.

What Langford has done this spring is nothing short of impressive, but the big leagues are an entirely different animal. Having a veteran like Jankowski on the club will likely help Langford's development and give manager Bruce Bochy a reliable defensive replacement late in games.