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.

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.