According to Kennedi Landry of MLB.com, the Texas Rangers are using Spring Training to evaluate multiple internal options at second base, with super-utility player Josh Smith currently positioned as a leading candidate to replace Marcus Semien.

Semien had anchored the position for several seasons, appearing in 596 of 648 regular-season games at second base between 2022 and 2025.

His consistency created stability for Texas, but his absence at the position now opens the door for a competitive spring battle.

Smith enters camp with momentum due to his defensive versatility and overall value across the roster, though the role remains far from secured.

Internal options such as Ezequiel Duran, Sam Haggerty, Michael Helman, and Cody Freeman are also competing for playing time.

Manager Skip Schumaker made it clear that while Smith has an opportunity, performance will ultimately determine the outcome.

“It’s Smitty's opportunity right now,” Schumaker said. “Like, 'Go get it, take it. Don't look back. There's other guys that want it, too. There's other guys that are fighting for that spot. We'll see what happens. But I'm looking for him just to take hold of it and force me to play him every single day.”

Replacing Semien defensively will not be easy. He ranked among the American League’s top defensive second basemen last season, making reliability at the position a priority for the Rangers’ coaching staff.

Schumaker emphasized that defensive growth is achievable through preparation and repetition, referencing both Semien’s development and his own experience transitioning positions earlier in his career.

“The one thing about Marcus is he worked at it,” Schumaker said. “He worked to get better. I think defense is the easiest tool to get better at, because it takes character and makeup and work ethic.

"I can't teach you how to run faster," Schumaker continued. "That's hard to do, but I can teach you how to get better defensively. I think [Smith has] those qualities, the work ethic to be good to great.

"It's not gonna happen overnight," Schumaker said. "It takes a lot of work. I’m not expecting Marcus Semien Gold Glove defense. I don't know if that's gonna happen, but he’s expecting it, which is all you can ask for.”

Smith acknowledged the adjustment that comes with focusing on one position after spending much of his career moving around the diamond.

“Well, I also had never played left field before two years ago, or first base before last year,” Smith said. “I’m just trying to learn. … It's a very weird working at one position, for me.

"It's been a while since I've done that," Smith said. "I’m just trying to master that and get better at it. It is a lot of work. I think it's harder to be good at one position than be OK at all of them.”

With several weeks remaining in Spring Training, Texas will continue evaluating the competition at second base. But Smith now has a clear opportunity to establish himself as the everyday option if his performance translates consistently on both sides of the ball.

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