The Texas Rangers begin the 2024 MLB season on Thursday night against the Chicago Cubs in Arlington.
After winning their first World Series in November, the team is seeking to become the first team to win back-to-back titles since the New York Yankees won three straight from 1998 through 2000.
Here are the position players that will try to get that done as the season begins.
Jonah Heim, Catcher
Heim will resume catching duties for the Rangers for the third straight year after having a career-best season and making his first All-Star appearance.
Jared Walsh, First Base
Walsh spent the last four years with the Angels and made the Rangers as a first baseman and non-roster invitee, as Nathaniel Lowe starts the season on the injured list. His best season came in 2021, with 29 home runs and 98 RBIs in 144 games.
Marcus Semien, Second Base
Semien was one of the Rangers’ big free agent signings in 2022 as they looked to spark the offense. His first season in Texas did not go as planned, but he rebounded with a .276 batting average with 29 home runs, 100 RBIs, and 14 stolen bases as the leadoff hitter in 2023.
Corey Seager, Shortstop
The reigning World Series MVP had hernia surgery over the offseason but is ready to go for Opening Day. While he has dealt with some injury in his first two seasons with the club, he is instant offense when inserted into the lineup and has become one of the team’s most recognizable and beloved players.
Josh Jung, Third Base
Jung’s rookie season started off great, but injuries and the grind of a long season may have affected him some. Still, he was a resounding success and returns to man the hot corner for another year as one of the Rangers’ important pieces for the future.
Evan Carter, Outfield
Carter spent most of last season in the minor leagues but came up to provide a spark throughout the playoff run. He’s very skilled at the plate and has a rare combination of speed to go with it, which should slide perfectly into the middle of the Rangers’ batting order.
Leody Taveras, Outfield
Taveras spent most of last season in center field and batted at the bottom of the batting order while producing at a better rate than expected. He may have to share some time in the outfield now, but he will still be a part of the lineup.
Adolis Garcia, Outfield
Garcia was a big-time performer in the playoffs last season and returns to the middle of the lineup looking to build off back-to-back seasons with at least 100 RBIs and an All-Star appearance.
Wyatt Langford, Outfield
Much was made of the rookie’s chances to make his big league debut on Opening Day, and he aced every test. After being selected fourth overall in last year’s MLB Draft and flying through the minor leagues, Langford hit .365 with six home runs and 20 RBIs in spring training to secure a roster spot, and he will likely serve as the new designated hitter.
Andrew Knizner, Catcher
Knizner won the backup catcher role after signing with the club in the offseason following a four-year stint with the St. Louis Cardinals.
Ezequiel Duran, Infield/Outfield
Duran had a great first half of the 2023 season, often filling in for an injured Seager at shortstop and occasionally at third base. He’s a versatile player with a good bat who can play those positions plus the outfield, and there is even talk of playing him at first base in Lowe’s absence.
Josh Smith, Infield/Outfield
Smith can play multiple infield and outfield positions and makes the team for Opening Day for a second straight year.
Travis Jankowski, Outfield
Jankowski’s speed and defense were useful to the Rangers’ run last season as the fourth outfielder, and he’ll fill a similar role this season.
