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

Jared Walsh, Rangers 1B

Next man up. That's the situation that Walsh finds himself in ahead of Opening Day. Though some Rangers fans expect Justin Foscue to be Texas' first baseman in the absence of Lowe, Walsh has proven why he belongs on the Rangers roster. The 30-year-old has a .526 slugging percentage and has belted three homers during Cactus League play this spring.

Rangers fans should be very familiar with Walsh. The veteran spent his major league career with one of Texas' AL West rivals, the Los Angeles Angels. Walsh played extremely poorly the past two seasons in Anaheim, but his swing has looked pure since arriving in Surprise this spring. If Seager begins the year on the IL, the Rangers could select Walsh's contract, add him to the 40-man roster, and platoon the veteran at first base.

Marc Church, Rangers RHP

Coming into spring camp, Church was seen as a long shot to make the Rangers Opening Day roster. An 18th round draft pick out of North Atlanta High School, Church brought his A-game to spring training. The right-hander has a 1.80 ERA and has struck out one-third of batters he's faced during Cactus League play.

Church is battling for that final bullpen spot, and isn't necessarily a lock for the Rangers Opening Day roster. But even with the addition of Michael Lorenzen, Texas could use Church in the bullpen. The 23-year-old has minor league options remaining, so if things don't work out, he can be sent back to Triple-A Round Rock for a tuneup.