Predicting the Rangers' Opening Day roster
Newly signed veteran and youngster Calhoun both expected to make Opening Day squad
ARLINGTON -- The Rangers appear to have a set starting rotation and lineup going into Spring Training, leaving unfinished the usual business of setting the bench and the bullpen. But there are still some unknowns when attempting to predict Texas' 25-man roster for Opening Day.
Catcher (2):Jeff Mathis, Isiah Kiner-Falefa
Mathis is a 14-year veteran with a sterling reputation for defense and working with pitchers. He will be the starter and Kiner-Falefa, coming off his rookie season, will be his apprentice. Veteran Jett Bandy and rookie Jose Trevino will be the next options.
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First base (1): Ronald Guzmán
The Rangers have other options at first base, but the plan now is to give Guzman every chance to secure this spot now and for the future
Second base (1): Rougned Odor
Odor is signed for four more years with a club option for 2023. The Rangers are still looking for that breakout season from him.
Third base (1): Asdrúbal Cabrera
Cabrera is a switch-hitter. His numbers were better from the left side last season, but they have been pretty even over the course of his career.
Shortstop (1): Elvis Andrus
Andrus is entering his 11th season with Texas. He is signed for four more years, but he has an opt-out clause after this season.
Outfield (6): Joey Gallo, Delino DeShields, Nomar Mazara, Shin-Soo Choo, Willie Calhoun, Hunter Pence
It may be hard to keep both Pence and Calhoun on the bench if the Rangers need a utility middle infielder or decide to carry eight relievers. Choo will get most of his time at DH. DeShields still has to win the center-field job because Carlos Tocci will be in camp.
Utility player (1): Matt Davidson
Davidson can play first and third base, but he has to beat out Patrick Wisdom. Neither can play shortstop or second, but the Rangers can move Cabrera to middle infield if needed. Davidson will also be given a chance to pitch.
Starting pitchers (5): Mike Minor, Lance Lynn, Drew Smyly, Edinson Vólquez, Shelby Miller
Smyly, Volquez and Miller are still unknowns because they are all coming back from Tommy John elbow reconstruction surgery. That's why the Rangers signed Jason Hammel and will also look at Adrian Sampson, Yohander Méndez and Ariel Jurado.
Relief pitchers (7): José Leclerc, Chris Martin, Shawn Kelley, Zach McAllister, Jesse Chavez, Jeffrey Springs, Connor Sadzeck
The Rangers will consider an eight-man bullpen, which could open up a spot for another left-hander. Sadzeck is out of options and still has to win a job. The other left-hander to watch is Kyle Bird.
• Texas has high hopes for quartet of lefty RPs
The Rangers will have seven of nine starters back from last year's team, missing only catcher Robinson Chirinos and third baseman Adrian Beltre. But four of their five starting pitchers will be new with the exception of Mike Minor.
CATCHERS
Jeff Mathis
Isiah Kiner-Falefa
INFIELDERS
Ronald Guzman
Rougned Odor
Elvis Andrus
Asdrubal Cabrera
OUTFIELDERS
Joey Gallo
Delino DeShields
Nomar Mazara
Willie Calhoun
Shin-Soo Choo
Hunter Pence
UTILITY PLAYERS
Matt Davidson
STARTING PITCHERS
Mike Minor
Lance Lynn
Drew Smyly
Edinson Volquez
Shelby Miller
RELIEF PITCHERS
Jose Leclerc
Shawn Kelley
Jesse Chavez
Chris Martin
Zach McAllister
Jeffrey Springs
Connor Sadzeck