Every spring, the Texas Rangers seem to find a diamond in the rough-a non-roster invitee who turns heads in Surprise, Arizona, and forces their way onto the Opening Day roster. It’s become something of a tradition.
Two years ago, it was Jared Walsh. Last year, Kevin Pillar made a splash with an electric 18-game stretch.
And while Pillar’s time in Texas ended abruptly, his brief impact reminded everyone that spring training isn’t just for tuning up the regulars-it’s also where unexpected stories begin.
This year, with the Rangers undergoing a significant offseason roster shakeup, there’s real opportunity for players on minor league deals to earn a ticket to Philadelphia for Opening Day on March 26. Several spots are legitimately up for grabs, and a strong spring could be the difference between Triple-A Round Rock and a big-league uniform.
Let’s break down four non-roster invitees who have a shot to make the cut:
Jonah Bride, INF
At 30 years old, Jonah Bride isn’t a flashy name, but he’s exactly the kind of player who can sneak onto a roster with a strong camp. Signed over Thanksgiving, Bride brings positional flexibility-he can handle both corners of the infield, which is always valuable in bench roles.
The challenge? His bat hasn’t quite caught up to his glove.
A career .221 hitter with 12 home runs and 57 RBIs across 214 MLB games with the A’s, Marlins, and Twins, Bride hasn’t shown enough offensively to lock down a roster spot on merit alone. But if he catches fire in March and outperforms some of the younger, higher-ceiling options, don’t be surprised if he makes things interesting.
Cooper Johnson, C
Let’s be clear: Johnson’s path to the 26-man roster is steep. With Kyle Higashioka and Danny Jansen expected to split time behind the plate, the Rangers aren’t likely to carry three catchers unless injuries or roster machinations dictate otherwise.
Still, Johnson has something working in his favor-he’s shown flashes of power, particularly during a strong 2024 stint with Double-A Frisco. His minor league numbers overall don’t jump off the page, but in a position where defense and game-calling matter just as much as the bat, a hot spring could keep him around. If nothing else, he’s a strong candidate to start the season in Triple-A and be among the first call-ups if the need arises.
Josh Sborz, RHP
This one’s a bit of a wild card.
Josh Sborz hasn’t pitched in a big-league game since shoulder surgery sidelined him before the 2024 season. His rehab didn’t go as planned last year, with the Rangers shutting him down midseason after a lack of progress.
But here’s the thing-Sborz still has some equity in the bank.
His role in the Rangers’ 2023 World Series run wasn’t forgotten, and that performance helped earn him another shot with the organization this winter. If he can show that he’s healthy and still has the stuff that made him a key bullpen piece during that title run, he could absolutely pitch his way into a bullpen that’s still being retooled. He’s 32 now, and this spring might be his best shot to prove he’s still got it.
Tyler Wade, INF
Tyler Wade’s signing flew under the radar, but it could end up being a sneaky smart move-especially after the Marcus Semien trade left a vacancy at second base.
Wade, 31, brings versatility in spades. Over his seven-year career, he’s logged innings at second, shortstop, and in the outfield, giving the Rangers a flexible depth option.
Offensively, the numbers are modest-a .216 career average with just seven home runs in over 500 games spread across stints with the Yankees, Padres, Angels, and A’s. But Wade’s value isn’t in his bat alone. If he can show he’s still a plus defender and a smart baserunner, there’s a path for him to make the roster as a utility man, especially if the Rangers want to keep their options open up the middle.
Final Word
Spring training is all about opportunity, and for these four players, it’s right there in front of them.
Whether it’s a comeback story like Sborz, a versatile glove like Bride or Wade, or a catcher like Johnson trying to break through a crowded depth chart, the door is open. Now it’s just a matter of who walks through it.