Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
The trade of cornerstone Marcus Semien has left a substantial void at second base for the Texas Rangers.
However, rather than rushing to the external market, the club’s front office, led by President of Baseball Operations Chris Young, has indicated a strong preference to find Semien’s successor from within the organization.
This decision sets the stage for a compelling and wide-open competition this spring, featuring a mix of established utility players and up-and-coming prospects.
The prize is a starting role for the reigning American League champions, and the candidates are ready to battle for it.
Here is a breakdown of the primary internal options the Rangers are considering for the everyday second base job.The Leading Candidates1) Josh Smith // Utility ManThe Case: Smith, a left-handed hitter, appears to be the most immediate and likely choice for a starting role, particularly against right-handed pitching. He has spent the last few seasons as an invaluable super-utility player, but his offensive output has been consistently above average. His combined slash line of .254/.336/.380 (107 wRC+) over the last two seasons shows he can be a productive major league hitter.The Question: While he’s played nearly every position, his experience at second base is minimal due to Semien’s durability. Can he handle the position defensively on an everyday basis? If the Rangers opt for a platoon, he’s the clear favorite against righties.2) Ezequiel Duran // Utility InfielderThe Case: Duran also owns a versatile profile and provides a right-handed bat. He showed promise in a breakout 2023 campaign, but his offensive numbers dipped sharply in 2024. His power potential is intriguing, but he needs to improve his plate discipline and consistency to be a viable everyday option. He is on the 40-man roster and has seen more time at second base than Smith.The Question: Can he recapture his 2023 form? His recent offensive struggles (a combined .237/.278/.309 in 504 plate appearances since 2024) raise concerns about his ability to hold down an everyday spot in the lineup.
Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn ImagesThe Top Prospects3) Cody Freeman // RookieThe Case: Freeman, a right-handed hitter, is one of the more exciting dark horses for the job. He tore up Triple-A last season, hitting .336/.382/.549 with excellent plate discipline (just an 8.7% strikeout rate). While a brief MLB stint didn’t fully translate that success, his minor league performance suggests his bat is nearly ready. He is well-regarded for his defensive skills at the position.The Question: Can he carry his high-level minor league success to the majors, or will he be another player whose bat stalls against MLB pitching? His age (early 20s) means the Rangers may not want to rush him if he struggles in Spring Training.4) Justin Foscue // ProspectThe Case: A former first-round pick, Foscue’s best tool is his right-handed power, which scouts project for 20+ home runs a season. He has a professional approach and makes consistent contact. While he is an offensive-minded player, he is capable at second base.The Question: Foscue has spent time at first base in the minors, suggesting questions about his defensive range at second base. With the need for an immediate major league contributor, he will have to prove he can hit for power and handle the defense right out of camp.Wide Open JobGeneral Manager Chris Young has made it clear that the position is currently “wide open” and will be determined through a true competition this spring.
“There is no pecking order,” Young stated.
“Right now, it stands as a competition… Josh Smith, Zeke Duran, Cody Freeman, Sam Haggerty, Michael Helman all can play second base. I think it’s certainly wide open. These guys all have opportunities to come into camp hungry and to win a job.”
Given the organization’s desire to keep payroll down and avoid major external signings, this spring training battle is one of the most important storylines for the Rangers.
An internal solution emerging would allow the club to focus its limited resources on other needs, such as starting pitching and the bullpen.
Whether it’s the steady, left-handed bat of Josh Smith, the power potential of Ezequiel Duran, or an exciting prospect like Cody Freeman seizing the moment, the Texas Rangers are counting on one of their own to step up and anchor the middle infield for the season ahead.
Categorized: Rangers The Ranger Report