There is never a bad time to do roster projections. Even before spring training starts! I thought I would take this morning and make my initial prediction on the Rangers opening day roster based on, well, nothing but my own brain.
Starting Rotation: This one is really a no brainier at this point barring any sort of injury. Corey Kluber, Mike Minor, Lance Lynn, Jordan Lyles and Kyle Gibson. The Rangers brought Kluber, Lyles and Gibson to be starters and that is what they are going to start the season as. Performance in April could change that, but not in February and March.
Bullpen: Jose Leclerc (closer), Jesse Chavez, Edinson Volquez, Brett Martin, Rafael Montero, Joley Rodriguez, Luke Farrell and Yohander Mendez. As the spring goes on, I am sure that this list will change, but I don’t believe it will change drastically.
Infield: Ronald Guzman, Rougned Odor, Elvis Andrus, Todd Fraizer, Isiah Kiner-Falefa , Greg Bird. Catchers: Robinson Chirinos, Jeff Mathis.
Outfield: Willie Calhoun, Shin Soo-Choo, Joey Gallo, Nick Solak, Scott Heineman.
There you have it. I am probably drastically wrong, but it doesn’t hurt to try.
