The Texas Rangers are entering the 2026 season with a noticeably different roster and leadership structure as the organization prepares for Skip Schumaker’s first Opening Day as manager.

Texas reshaped its roster during the offseason, moving on from key contributors such as Marcus Semien, Adolis García, and Jonah Heim while adding players like Brandon Nimmo, Danny Jansen, and MacKenzie Gore.

According to Rangers beat reporter Kennedi Landry of MLB.com, behind the plate, Jansen is expected to share duties with Kyle Higashioka after Texas parted ways with Heim this winter. The pair is projected to split time relatively evenly throughout the season.

At first base, Jake Burger hopes for better health after a challenging 2025 campaign. Burger dealt with three stints on the injured list last season and later underwent surgery on his left wrist during the offseason.

He entered Spring Training fully healthy and looking to regain his offensive rhythm.

Second base remains the most notable position battle in camp following Semien’s departure. Josh Smith has emerged as the leading internal candidate, though players like Ezequiel Duran and Cody Freeman remain in contention for the role.

The middle of the infield still revolves around franchise cornerstone Corey Seager, who appeared in just 102 games in 2025 due to injuries. When healthy, however, Seager remains one of baseball’s most productive hitters.

At third base, Josh Jung is expected to continue as the starter despite a dip in offensive production last season. Jung enjoyed his healthiest professional year in 2025 but finished with a .684 OPS, a step back from his All-Star rookie campaign in 2023.

Texas’ outfield will feature a blend of youth and experience. Nimmo joins young standouts Wyatt Langford and Evan Carter as the Rangers look for offensive growth from the group in 2026.

The designated hitter role will likely belong to veteran slugger Joc Pederson, who is attempting to bounce back from a difficult 2025 season in which he hit .181 with a .613 OPS.

Texas’ bench could include versatile contributors such as Sam Haggerty, Tyler Wade, and veteran Andrew McCutchen, who signed a minor-league deal during camp and is competing for a roster spot while providing depth at designated hitter and in the clubhouse.

On the mound, the rotation is projected to feature Jacob deGrom and Nathan Eovaldi at the front, followed by Jack Leiter and offseason acquisition Gore. The final spot could come down to a competition between Jacob Latz and Kumar Rocker.

Meanwhile, the bullpen has undergone a significant overhaul. Returning veteran Chris Martin could factor into the closer competition after signing a one-year deal, while newcomers Alexis Díaz, Tyler Anderson, and Jakob Junis add depth to the relief corps.

Additional bullpen spots could go to pitchers such as Cole Winn, Carter Baumler, and Josh Sborz as the Rangers finalize their roster before Opening Day.

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