Rangers Spring Update: Langford, Smith, Foscue Set to Impress

This article takes a look at the Texas Rangers’ ongoing talks about a possible long-term extension for Wyatt Langford. There’s also a lot of attention on his projected spot in the outfield and how spring competition at second base might shake up the lineup soon.

It dives into Langford’s performance numbers, his contract timeline, and some depth chart battles that could change the team’s bench flexibility.

Wyatt Langford extension talks: a patient path to a long-term deal

Wyatt Langford says he’s open to a long-term extension with the Rangers, but he’s not in a hurry. With four more years of club control unless there’s a trade, Texas holds a lot of cards in any negotiation.

Langford is 24 and already has two years of MLB service. He’ll be arbitration-eligible next winter, which usually puts the front office in a strong spot during off-season talks. He’s pocketed an $8 million signing bonus plus about $1 million in pre-arbitration bonuses, showing Texas is pretty invested in his upside.

Last season, Langford’s numbers gave the Rangers plenty to think about. He hit .241/.344/.431 with 22 home runs and 22 steals in 573 plate appearances. That’s a mix of power and speed that Texas clearly likes.

He’s also considered a solid corner outfielder and could shift to center if the team needs it. That kind of flexibility means a lot for the Rangers’ outfield plans.

Right now, the internal plan is to run with a Langford-Carter-Nimmo trio in the outfield. Langford’s expected to get most of his work in right field, next to Evan Carter and Brandon Nimmo.

That group offers home-run power, on-base skills, and plenty of range. Langford’s camp is reportedly looking for something in the $150–$200 million range for a long-term deal. But execs don’t see him landing the kind of money franchise shortstops get. The likely outcome? A deal that rewards his production but doesn’t push the Rangers into uncharted territory for an outfielder.

Understanding the financial and contractual landscape

As Langford gets closer to arbitration, both sides have to decide between a bridge extension or just waiting things out. The Rangers seem to lean toward keeping things stable if Langford keeps producing.

For Langford, a long-term deal would mean some financial security and less risk from arbitration. Texas would get to lock down a key outfield piece next to Carter and Nimmo for a while.

Outfield alignment and Langford’s defensive versatility

The Rangers have made it pretty clear: Langford’s their guy in right field for now. That could change if Carter or Nimmo move around, but Langford’s got the chops to handle center if needed.

He covers the power alleys well and brings real speed on the bases. Texas likes that aggressive defensive look—seems like it’s part of their new approach to roster depth.

Carter looks set to become a regular, while Nimmo brings veteran patience at the plate. The Rangers want an outfield that can handle injuries and stay competitive in the AL West.

Langford’s ability to move around also gives them options for matchup-driven changes. That should help Texas handle the grind of a long season and all those late-game bullpen moves teams love to make.

Infield picture: a second-base competition taking shape

Shifting to the infield, second base is a real question mark. Josh Smith seems to have the early edge after starting both spring exhibition games there.

The depth chart’s still in flux, though, and a handful of players are fighting for either a starting spot or a role off the bench.

Cody Freeman’s spring hasn’t gone as planned. He’s out most of Spring Training with a lower-back fracture, which tightens up the race and gives others a shot to step up.

Because of that, Ezequiel Duran is expected to slide back into a utility-infielder role. He’ll provide coverage across several infield spots, which could prove pretty important if the injury bug bites again.

Bench versatility and injury watch

• Josh Smith – He looks like the second-base starter after his strong spring. Smith can also cover other spots in the infield if needed.
• Cody Freeman – Freeman’s out with a lower-back fracture. No one really knows his timeline, but he still matters for depth once he’s healthy.
• Ezequiel Duran – Duran should slide back into a utility role. He’ll fill in at multiple infield positions as the team needs.
• Justin Foscue – Foscue, a former first-rounder, has played mostly second in the minors. Lately, he’s getting outfield reps too, which helps his bench value. His recent hamstring strain, which happened after he started at first and picked up a single, adds some uncertainty to the competition.

The Rangers are walking a line between caution and bigger-picture moves this spring. Langford’s contract situation hangs over the outfield, and the second-base battle will shape how deep the roster really is for what could be a pretty interesting season.

With Langford’s arbitration clock already ticking and spring workouts rolling on, fans should keep an eye on how Texas settles its two main plans — one that leans on Langford’s bat, and another that relies on a flexible, adaptable infield ready for whatever comes up.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Rangers Notes: Langford, Smith, Foscue