This Texas Rangers projected lineup would win 85 games in 2026

If you are a Rangers fan, the idea of rolling out almost the same lineup they did to start 2025 probably doesn't seem all that appealing, given that the offensive inconsistency is what doomed the team.

But there are a few tweaks in a Bleacher Report predicted opening day roster that should boost spirits, along with the mathematical likelihood that many of the hitters who had below-average performances will progress to their mean statistical performance this season.

Assuming the team gets something close to what they got from the pitching staff in 2025 and injuries don't pile up as they did, this slate of hitters put forth should better their win total last season by 4 and notch right around 85 wins.

The Rangers can still contend in 2026 with this projected lineup

The notable change in the upcoming year's lineup with 2025's is the glaring absence of all-star Marcus Semien, whose production will have to be replaced by the newest Ranger, Brandon Nimmo, who will be in the top spot to begin the year.

If he does, then expect the Rangers to be in contention in what should be a very competitive AL West in 2026.

LF - Brandon Nimmo

Nimmo has played at least 151 games in each of the past four seasons, so Ranger fans should get used to seeing the new outfielder in the leadoff spot. He hits for a better average and gets on base more than Semien did. He is just a little younger than Marcus and has averaged 24 homers over the past three seasons, giving the team some pop right off the bat.

RF - Wyatt Langford

Langford will look to continue his upward trajectory in his third full year as a pro. He is coming off a 20-20 season in which he hit .241. As the speedy outfielder looks to further hone his game, he will likely look to cut down on his strikeouts in the #2 slot, and look to be more of a contact hitter with two strikes to move Nimmo into scoring position for the team's best hitter due up next.

SS -Corey Seager

The only question mark surrounding Seager is the same one that has followed him throughout his entire career: Can he stay healthy and provide the team with at least 600 at-bats in 2026? If he does, then you know what you're getting from the slugging shortstop, and that is MVP-caliber numbers across the board and Gold Glove-level defense.

1B - Jake Burger

This is where the question marks start to pop up, as Burger was one of the new Ranger additions last season that failed to deliver on what was expected of him. With three separate stints on the IL, the big first-baseman never was able to find his rhythm at the plate. If he can improve on a modest stat line of .236, 16 HR and 56 RBI, he will be the imposing clean-up hitter that the Rangers need to clear the bases when Nimmo, Langford, and Seager set the table ahead of him.

DH - Joc Pederson

If anyone is due for a much better season in 2026, it is the much-maligned $17 million man, Joc Pederson, who was just awful last season. The veteran had career-worsts in every offensive statistical category on record, slashing .181/ .285/.328. There is no way around the fact that Pederson is currently the biggest free agent bust in Rangers history, unless he can show up in better shape and regain his normal .255 25 HR, 70 RBI level of production.

2B - Josh Smith

With Semien off to New York, it will be Josh Smith who will likely be the man who takes over at second base. Smith had a great first half last year, but saw a significant drop-off after the All-Star Game. It begs the question of whether he can hold up as a regular, every-day player and put in a solid season over 145-150 games.

3B - Josh Jung

Jung's season mirrored the Rangers' 2025 season more than any other player in what was a rollercoaster season full of very high hot streaks and very low dry spells. The best news is he survived a demotion to Triple A and a benching to put up a line of .251, 14HR and 61 RBI. While below his offensive standards, Jung showed tremendous emotional fortitude and hopefully learned some tough lessons that he can take with him into 2026.

C- Kyle Higashioka

Higgy was initially brought in to spell free agent Jonah Heim, but performed so well that he heads into 2026 spring training as the starting catcher platooning with newly-signed Danny Jansen. He was one of the few bright spots at the bottom of the Rangers' order, mashing 11 dingers in just 303 AB and hitting well above his career average at .241. His plus defense and knowledge of the Ranger pitching staff will be an asset.

CF - Evan Carter

Carter is the ideal nine hitter because he sees a lot of pitches, runs well, and is far from an easy out, flipping the lineup back to the top. There are still major health concerns surrounding the slight outfielder, but if he can remain somewhat healthy, then skipper Skip Schumaker will have his fingers crossed that the kid who broke out during the 2023 World Series will show up again and shore up the bottom of the lineup.