Predicting 2 Rangers who will not make the Opening Day roster in 2026

Barring any significant spring training injuries, the Rangers will have more major league-ready players whom they can keep to begin 2026. That means two players will be left without a seat when the music stops and the regular season starts on April 3 against Cincinnati.

The team typically carries five outfielders and a utility man who can play there in a pinch. The opening day starters are set in stone. They are Wyatt Langford, Brandin Nimmo, and Evan Carter. Sam Haggerty and Michael Helman are favorites to man the final two spots. Swiss Army knife Ezequiel Duran will probably remain the team's utility man.

On the infield, opening day spots already sewn up include Corey Seager at SS, Josh Jung at 3B, Jake Burger at 1B, and likely Josh Smith at second (though he could end up platooning with either Cody Freeman or Michael Helman).

Two players who were on the roster and made contributions during 2025 will likely begin the 2026 season in the minor leagues. It doesn't mean that either or both won't end up on the Rangers' roster at some point this season, but they are on the outside looking in heading into spring training.

2 players who will likely not make the Rangers' opening day roster

Justin Foscue

Unfortunately for Foscue, his everyday spot at the major league level continues to elude him. The 2B/1B will turn 27 in March, and over the past several seasons, he has not been able to stick with the big club. This season appears to be no different as he is behind Smith, Freeman, and Helman to fill the spot left by Marcus Semien's departure at second base.

Foscue has the least amount of range as a defender of those vying for the spot and has been moved to first base to get his solid right-handed bat into the order, but unless Burger or Rowdy Tellez get hurt, he just isn't flexible enough to keep.

Alejandro Osuna

One of the "little rascals", Osuna was just honored by being named to the Team Mexico WBC roster. Unfortunately, that doesn't change his status with the Rangers as he currently sits behind Haggerty and Helman for the 5th and final outfield spot. Helman only gets the nod over Osuna because, should Skip Schumaker decide to implement a platoon at 2B, he has the right-handed bat to go along with Josh Smith's left-handed stick.

He certainly made an impression last year with his infectious youthful exuberance, but his inconsistent production at the plate, slashing just .212/.313/.278 illustrates that he could use more consistent at-bats at either Round Rock or Frisco.

Should Haggerty or Helman struggle or an injury occurs in the outfield, Osuna is clearly the first option to get the call-up.