We are here. The first Spring Training game is set for Friday in Surprise with the typical Rangers and Royals matchup. After three-plus months of celebration, it’s back to work for the Texas Rangers, defending their first-ever title. It’s been a quiet offseason for the World Champions regarding roster construction, but as players put it this winter, most of the group won it all; why change it?

For the next 30+ days, the question is, who makes it onto the Opening Day roster and who doesn’t? Therefore, it’s time to predict your Opening Day roster as of game one of Spring Training.

Infielders:

1B – Nathaniel Lowe

2B – Marcus Semien

SS – Corey Seager

3B – Josh Jung

C – Jonah Heim

Backup Infielders:

C – Andrew Knizner

INF – Ezquiel Duran

INF – Josh Smith

INF – Justin Foscue

A few 40-man notables, including Sam Huff and Jonathan Ornelas, are off this list. However, with lingering injuries to Corey Seager and Josh Jung, Ornelas may squeeze in a spot. It doesn’t appear that Jung at least will miss any regular season time, but with Seager’s target right at Opening Day, the Rangers may need to decide to let Corey rest a little more or if he will take the field against the Cubs a month from now.

It’s time to recognize the work that Justin Foscue is doing and give him a shot on the Opening Day roster. Foscue had a decent season in Round Rock last season, hitting .266 with 53 extra-base hits, and his versatility in the infield (working a lot at first base) makes him a viable candidate to backup at first if Lowe needs it. Also, the Rangers need a designated hitter, which fits Foscue’s mold perfectly.

The catcher situation is intriguing. The Rangers carried three catchers at multiple points last season, and the way that’ll pan out in 2024 depends on Sam Huff. If Huff performs in spring, he may not give Bruce Bochy any choice, but Huff is undoubtedly a player to watch in Spring Training 2024.

Outfielders:

LF – Evan Carter

CF – Leody Taveras

RF – Adolis García

Backup Outfielder:

OF – Travis Jankowski

While there’s only one backup outfielder in Travis Jankowski, remember that Josh Smith played sometime in left field last season along with Ezequiel Duran. Some of you are thinking about Wyatt Langford, and it’s not entirely off the table, but Langford would have to blow the waters open to make the Opening Day roster. Think of Wyatt Langford this Spring Training like Evan Carter last spring and all the talk about Carter making the roster. If injuries pile up and Seager and Jung aren’t ready by Opening Day, Bochy and Chris Young may consider it, but the keyword is – consider.

Starting Rotation:

1. Nathan Eovaldi
2. Jon Gray
3. Dane Dunning
4. Andrew Heaney
5. Cody Bradford

We all thought this would be the rotation a month ago. When Bruce Bochy talked before Fan Fest, he mentioned the top 4 names regarding the rotation and Cody Bradford, too, which indicated to me that Bradford was the front-runner to slot into the fifth spot, and for good reason. Bradford made eight starts last season and five appearances in the postseason (allowing only one run in the postseason). What makes Spring Training in 2024 more beneficial for guys like Owen White, Cole Winn, and Jake Latz (who also could be in the starting pitching mix) is that they’ll get more work with the Rangers trying to rest up the first three guys in the rotation given the shortened offseason.

Relievers:

LHP – Brock Burke

LHP – Danny Duffy

RHP – Jonathan Hernández

RHP – José Leclerc

RHP – David Robertson

RHP – Josh Sborz

RHP – Kirby Yates

RHP – Owen White

I like a mixture in the bullpen where you have at least a few left-handed options, which would be the only reason Cody Bradford may not go to the rotation and work as a long-reliever. You have your expected guys like Leclerc, Robertson, Sborz, Burke, and Yates. I strongly feel that Hernández will come out strong in Spring Training and take that next step. I currently see him as a 6th or 7th-inning reliever, but a strong candidate out of the bullpen.

Now, there are two surprises: Owen White and Danny Duffy. Duffy ended his rehab work on a solid note in the minor leagues, and after three years of rehab, Duffy could be that left-handed long man the Rangers need to correspond with Owen White as a righty (or whichever right-hander the club wants post-Spring Training). On the opposite side, Owen White got his first taste of the big leagues on June 13th against the Angels and a relief appearance on July 26th. Sure, the short sample size didn’t equate to a lot, but it was a stepping point for White, and if Owen showcases his capability, he could sneak on the Opening Day roster (Metal Gear Solid style).

Remember, the Rangers will start with three players, at least, going to the 60-Day injured list (Jacob deGrom, Max Scherzer, and Tyler Mahle), opening a 40-man spot for Danny Duffy and two other non-roster guys, which could make for some intriguing spectacles in Surprise.

Now that the Rangers “Went and Took It,” 2024 is about “Show and Keep It,” or however you want to phrase it.