Rangers Updates: Langford, Carter, Smith and Dorton Roster Outlook

The Texas Rangers are heading into a tricky transition, shaking up both their outfield and infield while dealing with tight finances. With Adolis García non-tendered and Marcus Semien traded for Brandon Nimmo, the defending champs are putting their faith in internal growth, defensive flexibility, and a new approach to hitting to keep their window open.

Rangers Outfield Gets a Makeover After García and Semien Departures

The big change is clear: Adolis García is out of right field, and Marcus Semien no longer holds down second base. The Rangers’ front office chose flexibility and payroll relief over keeping stars, hoping internal promotions and a retooled outfield can fill the holes.

Semien’s exit, flipped for Brandon Nimmo, gives Texas a different look at the top of the lineup. Nimmo brings on-base skills and can play multiple spots, but the real curiosity is what happens around him in the outfield.

Wyatt Langford’s Shift to Right — and Possible Future in Center

Wyatt Langford will move from left field to right, a decision that says a lot about how much the Rangers trust his defense and arm. Manager Skip Schumaker even hinted that Langford could end up in center field as soon as 2026.

Schumaker likes Langford’s solid defensive metrics and his past experience up the middle. If Langford holds his own in right and keeps improving, a move to center could give Texas a cost-controlled, athletic anchor for years.

Evan Carter’s Role: Center Field Contender With Something to Prove

Evan Carter handled most of the center field work in 2025. His journey’s been bumpy—flashes of big talent, but also injuries and inconsistency, especially against lefties.

Schumaker says Carter will get a real shot to win or at least share the center field job. The adjustment: more chances versus lefties, but in a managed way. Look for Carter to get:

If Carter can make even small gains against lefties, he becomes much more than a platoon guy and helps stabilize the outfield.

Michael Helman: Bench Piece With Limited Upside

After those three, Michael Helman looks like the early favorite for the fourth outfielder spot. He’s got a bit of pop and can cover all three outfield spots if needed, which matters for a roster watching its spending.

Still, Helman’s on-base numbers in Triple-A haven’t impressed, so his ceiling at the MLB level is a question mark. Right now, he’s more of a bench bat and late-inning defensive sub than a long-term fix.

Financial Constraints Shape the Rangers’ Offseason Strategy

The outfield moves grab attention, but the Rangers’ front office is also fighting a less visible battle: the budget. Texas spent big to build a contender, and now the bill’s due. Every move has to count.

The club still needs to fill several key roster spots before Opening Day.

Needs at Catcher, Rotation, Bullpen — and Maybe First Base

The Rangers’ shopping list isn’t short, but their flexibility is. They’re looking to:

First base is also an open question. Jake Burger is penciled in, but the team would like to upgrade if the right chance comes up. Luis Arraez has been mentioned, though his cost in dollars and prospects might be too much for a team on a budget.

Second Base Battle: Josh Smith Leads an Internal Competition

With Semien gone, Texas is looking inside for a second baseman. They’ll lean on a three-man race led by Josh Smith, with Cody Freeman and Ezequiel Duran also in the mix.

Smith, a lefty bat and true utility guy, is the favorite. He’s shown stronger first-half numbers before fading later, so there’s still some development left at this level.

Freeman brings more contact, Duran has raw tools and versatility, but Smith’s on-base ability, defense, and handedness make him the logical choice for now.

Coaching Staff Addition: Eric Dorton Joins the Hitting Braintrust

Off the field, the Rangers made an internal move that could shape how these pieces fit together at the plate.

Texas promoted Eric Dorton to the big league staff as a third hitting coach, joining Alex Cintrón and lead instructor Justin Viele. It’s Dorton’s MLB coaching debut, and it shows the club’s commitment to layered, data-driven hitting instruction.

What Dorton’s Promotion Signals About the Rangers’ Approach

Adding a third hitting voice shows the Rangers believe small improvements at the plate might help make up for the talent and payroll they’ve lost. Young hitters like Langford, Carter, and Smith will need to step up more this year.

Bringing in another coach focused on swing decisions and personalized game-planning could really matter. Sometimes, those little tweaks and a fresh perspective make all the difference.

This winter, Texas has faced tough financial limits and made some gutsy internal bets. They’re leaning hard on development, versatility, and coaching to stay in the hunt.

The outfield shuffle? That’s just the start of what’s shaping up to be a pretty interesting story.

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