This article focuses on five Texas Rangers players who need to make a strong impression during spring training to secure their place on the team. Each player faces unique challenges and opportunities, with their performance potentially influencing roster decisions and playing time.
While most of the Texas Rangers roster appears set, five players have a significant opportunity to prove their worth during spring training in Surprise, Arizona. Spring training, often perceived as a time of leisurely position battles, can be a crucial proving ground for players seeking to solidify their place on the team. The Rangers, arriving in camp on Wednesday, have a roster that seems largely defined, barring any unforeseen injuries.
Injuries are an inevitable part of spring training, affecting every team in unpredictable ways. Although the roster appears secure, there are still a few players who need to either showcase their abilities or address lingering concerns. Here are five key players for whom spring training holds heightened importance: Kumar Rocker is the Rangers' version of last year's top draft pick Wyatt Langford, arriving with an almost guaranteed spot in the rotation. With veterans Jacob deGrom, Nathan Eovaldi, Tyler Mahle, and Jon Gray already occupying positions, the pressure falls on Bradford, the strike-throwing lefty from Aledo, to either secure a rotation spot or demonstrate his value as a multi-inning reliever. The Rangers require a couple of strong multi-inning relievers early in the season, a role Bradford excelled in during 2023. His performance will likely dictate whether the Rangers explore cost-saving trades involving Tyler Mahle or consider moving Jon Gray to the bullpen. Evan Carter needs to prove his health and address concerns about his performance against left-handed pitching. While health is paramount for any player, Carter's ability to consistently perform against left-handed pitchers is crucial for his long-term success. With limited MLB plate appearances against lefties, Carter's current numbers (three singles, two walks, 16 strikeouts, and a .231 OPS) raise questions. Spring training offers Carter an opportunity to accumulate at-bats against left-handed pitchers and showcase his offensive prowess. The Rangers don't envision him as a platoon player, and he needs to demonstrate his ability to hit effectively against left-handed pitching to dispel any doubts.Adolis Garcia, who has shown flashes of brilliance, needs to demonstrate further improvement against the four-seam fastball, his biggest challenge. Despite making adjustments to his swing last year, Garcia's struggles against that pitch remain a concern. While spring training may not offer a complete solution, it allows Garcia to work on his approach and build confidence against that specific pitch. His improved explosiveness, which he has been focusing on during the offseason, could also contribute to his success.Jonah Heim, after a disappointing 2023 season, needs to regain his offensive form and establish himself as a reliable starting catcher. Following a strong 2022 season, Heim's performance plummeted in 2023, resulting in a significant drop in his OPS and concerns about his defensive abilities. The Rangers have invested more in backup catcher Higashioka for 2025 and plan to utilize him more extensively. Heim has a chance to prove his worth during spring training and reclaim his starting role
Baseball Texas Rangers TEXAS RANGERS SPRING TRAINING KUMAR ROCKER EVAN CARTER ADOLIS GARCIA JONAH HEIM
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