As the Texas Rangers head into another spring under the Arizona sun, there’s no shortage of questions hovering over this club. After back-to-back losing seasons and an offseason that left more gaps than it filled-especially on the offensive side-the pressure is on to find internal answers. Surprise, Arizona, won’t just be a spring training site this year; it’s going to be a proving ground.
With Opening Day in Philadelphia looming, the Rangers still have key roles up for grabs. Here are three position battles that will define the tone of this camp-and possibly the trajectory of the 2026 season.
Second Base: Who Steps Into Semien’s Shoes?
For the first time in four seasons, the Rangers will open camp without Marcus Semien penciled in at second base. His trade to the Mets left a sizable void-not just in the lineup, but in leadership and consistency. And with no veteran addition to plug that hole over the winter, the focus shifts inward.
Josh Smith enters as the early favorite. He’s shown flashes of competence and versatility in his time with the club, and his experience gives him a leg up. But he’s not alone in this race.
Cody Freeman, still just 25, brings youth and upside, while Ezequiel Duran enters his fifth big-league season with a resume that includes both infield flexibility and moments of offensive spark. Duran’s bat might be the most intriguing of the bunch, but consistency has eluded him.
There are also some longer shots in the mix. Justin Foscue is still trying to turn potential into production, and non-roster invitees like Cam Cauley (the club’s No. 13 prospect), Jonah Bridge, and Tyler Wade will be looking to make enough noise to stay on the radar.
At this point, it’s Smith’s job to lose-but with a wide-open field and a month of baseball ahead, don’t count anyone out just yet.
Closer: Searching for a Shutdown Arm
For another year, the Rangers enter spring without a clear-cut closer. And once again, it’s a bullpen full of possibilities-but few proven answers.
The candidates include Robert Garcia, Chris Martin, Josh Sborz, and Cole Winn. All have shown something at various points, but none have locked down the role with authority. Martin might be the most dependable of the bunch, bringing veteran presence and a track record of poise in high-leverage spots.
Still, there’s always a chance for someone unexpected to rise. Spring is the perfect stage for a young arm or a non-roster invitee to make a statement. The Rangers aren’t just looking for someone who can throw heat-they need someone who can handle the ninth inning with the game on the line.
If the front office doesn’t make a late move via trade or free agency-and that’s still a possibility-this job will go to whoever proves they can handle the pressure. Right now, Martin feels like the safest bet, but that door is still wide open.
Fifth Starter: Latz vs. Rocker
The top four spots in the Rangers’ rotation are locked in: Jacob deGrom, Nathan Eovaldi, MacKenzie Gore, and Jack Leiter. That leaves one final rotation spot up for grabs-and it’s shaping up to be a two-man battle between Jacob Latz and Kumar Rocker.
Latz made the most of his opportunities last season, putting together eight strong starts with an ERA under 3.00. His breakout performance in Baltimore back in June was a reminder of just how dominant he can be when everything clicks. He’s earned the inside track heading into camp.
Rocker, meanwhile, is still trying to put the pieces together. His 14 starts last season were a mixed bag, and he ended the year in Triple-A. The talent is there-no question-but he’ll need a strong spring to leapfrog Latz and claim that fifth spot.
Unless Rocker shows something dramatic in Surprise, this job looks like it’s Latz’s to lose.
Final Thoughts
This spring isn’t just about getting reps and stretching arms-it’s about setting the foundation for a turnaround season. With no major additions to cover key vacancies, the Rangers are betting on internal development and competition to carry them forward.
Second base, closer, and the fifth rotation spot might not be the flashiest headlines, but they’re the kind of decisions that shape a season. And if the Rangers want to get back into the postseason mix, they’ll need a few of these internal bets to hit big.