There will be as many projected opening day rosters as there are guys who come into camp saying they are in the best shape of their careers.
The Rangers first projected opening day roster was released yesterday. There are no surprises, and only one spot open, in the bullpen. Rosters can have twenty-six players, with no more than thirteen pitchers. Looking at the Rangers roster right now, there are thirteen position players locked in and twelve pitchers.
So, without further ado, and any ado of any sort, here is MLB.com’s Kennedi Landry’s first roster prediction of the year.
Catchers (2): Jonah Heim, Kyle Higashioka
Infield (6): Jake Burger, Marcus Semien, Corey Seager, Josh Jung, Josh Smith, Ezekiel Duran.
Outfield/DH (5): Wyatt Langford, Evan Carter, Adolis Garcia, Joc Pederson, Leody Taveras.
Starters (5): Jacob deGrom, Nathan Eovaldi, Jon Gray, Cody Bradford, Tyler Mahle.
Bullpen (7): Dane Dunning, Jacob Webb, Chris Martin, Luis Curvelo, Shawn Armstrong, Hoby Milner, Robert Garcia.
Spring training is going to be a six-week battle for one spot. (Are you ready, Kumar Rocker?)