Predicting the Rangers' Opening Day roster

Newly signed veteran and youngster Calhoun both expected to make Opening Day squad

February 10th, 2019

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):,
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 and rookie will be the next options.
:: Spring Training coverage presented by Camping World ::
First base (1):
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):
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):
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):
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): , , , , ,
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 will be in camp.

Utility player (1):
Davidson can play first and third base, but he has to beat out . 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): , , , ,
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 and will also look at , and .
Relief pitchers (7): , , , , , ,
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 .
• 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 and third baseman Adrian Beltre. But four of their five starting pitchers will be new with the exception of .
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