Rangers Expected to Fill Second Base Internally with Josh Smith

The Texas Rangers are heading into a new era at second base, and they’re doing it the old-fashioned way. Instead of chasing expensive free agents, they’re looking inward. With Marcus Semien gone after the blockbuster trade that brought Brandon Nimmo to Arlington, Texas is set to give the keystone to Josh Smith and a handful of internal options. The club wants to stay competitive and keep payroll in check. Here’s a look at the second base picture for 2025—and why it says so much about the Rangers’ bigger plan.

Josh Smith Emerges as the Favorite at Second Base

The Rangers didn’t move Semien without a backup plan. Internally, they’ve circled Josh Smith as the top candidate to take most of the playing time at second base, especially against righties.

Why the Rangers Trust Smith’s Bat

Smith, a 28-year-old left-handed hitter, has quietly built a solid offensive profile in the majors. Over the last two seasons, he’s posted a .254/.336/.380 slash line with 23 home runs and 23 stolen bases.

That mix of on-base skills, a little pop, and some speed makes him appealing at a position that doesn’t need to carry the offense. He doesn’t have to be a star, but he can’t be a black hole either.

Compared to the other internal options, those numbers hold up well. Smith’s track record gives Texas the highest offensive floor at the position, even if nobody’s expecting Semien-level production.

Limited Experience, Growing Opportunity

The question with Smith isn’t about his bat—it’s his glove. He’s played just 41 career innings at second base, spending more time at other infield spots and in the outfield.

Still, the Rangers like his versatility and think second base is a place where his athleticism can work with more reps. In today’s game, flexibility is valuable. Smith’s ability to move around gives manager Bruce Bochy some options, especially if the club wants to play matchups.

Internal Competition Behind Smith

Smith’s in the driver’s seat, but he’s not alone. The Rangers have a handful of in-house candidates who could factor in—maybe as platoon partners, injury insurance, or unexpected breakouts.

Cody Freeman, Dylan Moore, Ezequiel Duran, and Justin Foscue

Here’s the depth chart:

All four offer something, but none have matched Smith’s major league hitting. Heading into spring, he’s the clear favorite to handle regular duties, while the others fight for backup roles or try to force a timeshare if they catch fire.

The Sebastian Walcott Factor

Looking further ahead, the Rangers’ long-term plan at second could eventually include Sebastian Walcott, one of their most intriguing young prospects. The 19-year-old shortstop has the athleticism and upside to become a cornerstone if things break right.

There’s a real chance Walcott could move off shortstop—maybe to second base—when he’s ready. But that’s not happening soon. Texas knows he’s still years away, so 2025 is shaping up as a bridge year at the position.

Financial Discipline Shapes the Rangers’ Approach

Part of why the Rangers are leaning on in-house options? Money. After years of aggressive spending, the front office says now’s the time to trim payroll and avoid big commitments, especially at non-premium spots.

Free Agency and Trade Market Outlook at Second Base

Given that, it’s no shock the club’s unlikely to chase major free agents or splashy trade targets at second. The Rangers don’t want to pay starter money when they think they already have a capable internal starter in Smith.

They won’t ignore the market entirely, though. Expect Texas to keep an eye on:

The days of big-ticket acquisitions for every hole are on pause for now.

The Josh Sborz Question in the Bullpen

Second base is the headline, but the bullpen’s got a storyline too with Josh Sborz. The righty missed all of 2025 after shoulder surgery, and his future in Texas depends on his health and the market.

Risk, Reward, and the Reliever Market

The club wants to bring Sborz back, but they’d prefer a minor league deal that limits risk while he proves he’s healthy. Makes sense for a team watching its budget and wary of the ups and downs with injured relievers.

Other clubs are watching too. If Sborz shows he’s healthy, he could get enough interest to land a better shot elsewhere, and the Rangers will have to decide how far they’ll go to keep him around.

What It All Means for the 2025 Rangers

So, the Rangers’ moves at second base and in the bullpen really show a shift in how they’re thinking. Instead of throwing big contracts at every problem, they’re leaning into internal development, roster flexibility, and targeted low-cost additions.

Right now, Josh Smith gets the first shot at filling Marcus Semien’s spot at second. There’s a group of challengers behind him, and eventually, someone like Sebastian Walcott could show up and shake things up.

It’s definitely not the kind of move that turns heads like a huge signing would. Still, if Smith’s bat works out and the depth guys step up, maybe the Rangers have found a way to patch a lineup hole without blowing up the budget. That’s not nothing, honestly.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Rangers Likely To Fill Second Base Internally