3 Key Storylines to Watch as the Rangers Head to Spring Training
The Texas Rangers are packing up for Surprise, Arizona, with pitchers and catchers set to report on February 10. After a frustrating 2025 season that saw them fall flat in September and finish with a .500 record (81-81), the team is turning the page. A new era begins under manager Skip Schumaker, and with it comes plenty of intrigue.
As camp opens, there are three major storylines worth keeping a close eye on - each one carrying implications for how this 2026 squad could take shape.
1. Who Claims the Closer Role?
Same question, new season. The Rangers head into spring training without a clear-cut closer - again.
Despite having opportunities to address the back end of the bullpen in free agency, the front office didn’t bring in a proven ninth-inning arm. That leaves the door wide open for competition.
Josh Sborz is back, and while his World Series-clinching performance in 2023 is still fresh in fans' minds, he’s coming off significant arm surgery. And it’s worth noting - he’s recorded just one regular-season save in over 160 innings since 2019. For the most part, he’s been a middle-relief guy.
Enter Alexis Díaz. The former Reds closer racked up 75 saves between 2022 and 2024, but his 2025 season was a whirlwind - three teams, just 17.2 innings, and no saves. He’s trying to re-establish himself, and spring training will be his first real audition.
Then there’s Cole Winn, the former first-round pick who might just have the most electric stuff of the group. After a rocky developmental path, Winn showed real flashes last season in low-leverage situations, posting a 1.54 ERA and 0.95 WHIP. His fastball-slider-changeup mix is gaining polish, and if he can handle the pressure, the role could be his to steal.
Skip Schumaker and pitching coach Jordan Tiegs will be watching closely. Who gets the ball in the ninth during Cactus League games could offer some early clues. But don’t be surprised if this battle stretches into the final days of camp.
2. The Battle for the Fifth Rotation Spot
The top of the Rangers’ rotation is largely set, especially with the addition of MacKenzie Gore. But the fifth spot - vacated by Patrick Corbin - is very much up for grabs. Three names are in the mix: Kumar Rocker, Cody Bradford, and Jacob Latz.
Rocker has the pedigree and the power arm. The former top draft pick has the kind of raw stuff that makes scouts salivate, but he hasn’t quite put it all together yet.
Last season, he struggled with command and consistency, finishing with a 5.74 ERA and 1.46 WHIP. The 11 home runs and 24 walks in just over 64 innings paint the picture of a pitcher still adjusting to big-league hitters.
Bradford, a lefty who impressed in 2024 with a 3.54 ERA and a WHIP barely over 1.00, missed all of 2025 due to elbow surgery. He’s working his way back, and while there’s optimism he’ll return by May, he’s likely to start the season on the 60-day injured list as the team eases him back.
That leaves Latz, a versatile left-hander who made the most of his opportunities last year. He transitioned from long relief to spot starts and delivered a 2.72 ERA across eight starts. Overall, he threw 85.2 innings with a 2.84 ERA - a rock-solid showing that proved he can handle multiple roles.
Rocker might have the higher ceiling, but Latz has already shown he can get outs at the big-league level. This spring will be about whether Rocker can take the next step, or if Latz forces his way into the rotation with another strong camp. And don’t forget about Bradford - his progress could shift the picture once he’s healthy.
3. Can Josh Smith Lock Down Second Base?
With Marcus Semien traded, the Rangers now have a gaping hole at second base - both offensively and defensively. Josh Smith, the ultimate utility man since his debut in 2022, is getting his shot to claim the position full-time.
Smith has been quietly productive the last two seasons, posting WARs of 3.2 and 3.0. He’s played all over the diamond, but this spring marks his first chance to settle into a single role. The question is whether he can handle the grind of being an everyday second baseman - especially when the bar was set so high by Semien’s Gold Glove defense and consistent bat.
In both 2024 and 2025, Smith started strong but faded in the second half. That’s a concern if he’s expected to take on a 600-at-bat workload. The Rangers need more than just versatility - they need sustained production.
Waiting in the wings is Cody Freeman, who’s ready to pounce if Smith falters. Freeman brings his own skill set to the table and could push for playing time if Smith doesn’t seize the opportunity.
This spring will be a proving ground. Can Smith show he’s more than just a plug-and-play guy? Or will he slide back into a utility role while the Rangers look elsewhere for stability at second?
Final Thoughts
The Rangers are entering spring training with more questions than answers - but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. These position battles and role competitions bring energy and urgency to camp. And with a new manager at the helm, there’s a clean slate for players looking to carve out a role.
Whether it’s the closer carousel, the fifth starter race, or the second base shuffle, these storylines will shape the early identity of the 2026 Rangers. Buckle up - it’s almost time to play ball in Surprise.