The Texas Rangers are making a bold move that could reshape their infield strategy—and it’s not what you’d expect. Instead of splurging on big-name free agents or trades, they’re betting on their own talent to fill the gaping hole at second base. But here’s where it gets controversial: Is this a savvy cost-saving strategy or a risky gamble that could backfire? Let’s dive in.
Last month’s blockbuster trade sending Marcus Semien to the Mets for Brandon Nimmo left a void at second base in Arlington. However, Jeff Wilson of DLLS Sports reports that the Rangers plan to address this internally rather than looking outside the organization. This decision puts the spotlight on 28-year-old utility player Josh Smith, who has been a jack-of-all-trades across the diamond but now emerges as a strong candidate for regular duty at second base—at least against right-handed pitching. Smith, a left-handed hitter and former second-round pick, has shown promise with a combined .254/.336/.380 slash line (107 wRC+) over the past two seasons, along with 23 home runs, 53 doubles, and 23 stolen bases in 1,155 plate appearances.
Here’s the part most people miss: While second base has been Smith’s least-played position at the MLB level (just 41 innings), this is largely due to Semien’s iron-man presence. Semien missed only four games in his first three seasons with Texas, leaving little room for others. Even this season, with Semien appearing in ‘only’ 127 games, Smith was shuffled between third base and the outfield to cover injuries, limiting his time at second to just four games. Other players like Cody Freeman, Dylan Moore, and Ezequiel Duran filled in more frequently, but none have matched Smith’s offensive production in the majors.
Speaking of Duran and Freeman, both remain on the 40-man roster, as does former first-round pick Justin Foscue. While any of them could step up, their numbers pale in comparison to Smith’s. Duran, for instance, has hit just .237/.278/.309 since 2024, while Freeman’s impressive Triple-A performance (.336/.382/.549) didn’t translate to the majors (.228/.258/.342). Foscue, despite league-average offense in Triple-A, has struggled in limited MLB appearances (.059/.094/.098) and faces defensive questions.
The most exciting—but distant—option is 19-year-old prospect Sebastian Walcott, widely considered one of baseball’s top ten prospects. A natural shortstop, Walcott could shift to second base if Corey Seager remains entrenched at short. Last year, he held his own in Double-A, hitting .255/.355/.386 with 13 home runs and 32 steals, showcasing a promising blend of power, speed, and plate discipline.
But here’s the real question: Are the Rangers selling themselves short by avoiding free agents or trades? With a stated goal of reducing payroll, big names like Bo Bichette were never in the cards, but even second-tier options like Jorge Polanco or trade targets like Brendan Donovan and Brandon Lowe seem off the table. While GM Ross Fenstermaker hints at opportunistic minor league deals or bargain signings, a major splash appears unlikely.
Is this the right call? Or are the Rangers underestimating the value of proven talent? Let us know in the comments.
In other Rangers news, President of Baseball Operations Chris Young has expressed ‘extreme’ interest in re-signing reliever Josh Sborz, who was non-tendered last week. Young prefers a minor league deal for Sborz, who missed the entire 2025 season recovering from shoulder surgery. Sborz’s 2023 campaign was a rollercoaster—a solid 3.83 ERA through mid-August, followed by a late-season collapse (13 runs in 7 2/3 innings), only to redeem himself in the playoffs with a 0.75 ERA over 12 innings. At 31 (turning 32 soon), Sborz’s health and velocity remain question marks, but his track record and familiarity with the team could give him an edge—if his shoulder cooperates.
Should the Rangers take a chance on Sborz, or is it time to move on? Share your thoughts below. This offseason is shaping up to be a test of Texas’ faith in its homegrown talent—and the baseball world is watching.
