Rangers 2026 roster projections 2.0: Newcomer emerges, position battles heat up

With less than two weeks remaining until the Texas Rangers kick off the 2026 regular season, the lineups are beginning to take shape while a few players are showcasing why they should or should not be with the team in Philadelphia later this month.

Projecting the Rangers' 2026 Opening Day roster

Of course, what would spring training be without some overreactions, drama, surprises and late roster additions to spice up a bit of the field. Here's a look at what to expect out of the Rangers roster come March 26.

Rangers Opening Day Position Players

• Catchers: Kyle Higashioka, Danny Jansen

• First Base: Jake Burger

• Second Base: Josh Smith

• Shortstop: Corey Seager

• Third Base: Josh Jung

• Outfielders: Wyatt Langford, Evan Carter, Brandon Nimmo

• Designated Hitter: Andrew McCutchen, Joc Pederson

• Bench: Ezequiel Duran, Sam Haggerty, Tyler Wade

The consensus in this is that Josh Jung will return from his abductor strain in time to be the Rangers' starting third baseman come March 26 in Philadelphia. What is less likely, is that 25-year-old Cody Freeman will bounce back from his back injury in enough time to do the same.

Because of that we see Wade, who is batting over .600 this spring, make the Opening Day roster as a utilityman and somehow give Duran a new life. McCutchen also will come into the season wearing #4 for Texas and platoon with Pederson in the DH role, where he thrives against left-handed pitchers.

Rangers Opening Day Rotation

• Jacob deGrom, RHP

• Nathan Eovaldi, RHP

• MacKenzie Gore, LHP

• Jack Leiter, RHP

• Jacob Latz LHP

I understand it has not been a pretty spring for Gore, who has a 12.79 ERA in three starts but that is not at all going to change the mind of Skip Schumaker that he is the team's third starter. The real battle left to be decided is the fight between Latz and Kumar Rocker, who are aiming for the final spot in the rotation. Based off current spring results, the spot goes to the left-hander.

It's going to be interesting to see regardless as the team enters the season seen as among the best starting rotations in baseball. Most of that includes the reputations of deGrom, Eovaldi and the recent emergence of 25-year-old Leiter.

Rangers Opening Day Bullpen

• Tyler Alexander, LHP

• Carter Baulmer, RHP

• Alexis Diaz, RHP

• Robert Garcia, LHP (closer)

• Chris Martin, RHP

• Kumar Rocker, RHP

• Cole Winn, RHP

Not much of a shock here considering we gave Latz the fifth rotation spot. Rocker is a shoe-in to move to the bullpen because while I may not think he's a forever bullpen arm now, he's worth more to Texas out of the big league pen then in the Round Rock rotation. The fun surprise is the emergence of Rule 5 Draft pick Baulmer, whose 3.2 scoreless innings is impressing the organization.

However, what Texas isn't the biggest fan of is the 43.20 ERA of 29-year-old Alexis Diaz, who they desperately hope can reclaim his old glory and become a staple in the back of the team's bullpen in 2026.