The 2022 opening day roster is just a few short months away. Well, if the lockout doesn’t ruin baseball. We have done a few of these over the past few months. Here is my updated list for your enjoyment.
Infield
Catcher – Jose Trevino: Jose will get the nod over Jonah Heim based on experience and the simple fact that he has been here longer. He and Jonah Heim will most likely split time, but Jose will open the season.
First Base – Nathaniel Lowe: Unless the Rangers trade him or bring in someone else (Matt Olsen), Lowe will be the man at first. I think the Rangers are ready to move on from Ronald Guzman from all I have seen. He won’t be with the team anymore by the start of the season in my opinion.
Second Base – Marcus Semien: This is one of the easiest calls of the list. The other easiest call is at shortstop. The Rangers have a staple at second base for the next seven years.
Shortstop – Corey Seager: Again, no brainer. A 10-year contract will make this position a lock for Seager for the long haul. This will surprise no one and will not change.
Thire Base – Isiah Kiner-Falefa: Something tells me that IKF will get the nod here over Josh Jung. Call it a hunch, call it crazy. Either way, I am sticking with my original prediction that IKF gets the start on opening day. I do believe that Jung will be the third baseman for the majority of the season. Just not opening day.
Designated Hitter – Willie Calhoun: The Rangers brought in Calhoun to be part outfielder and part DH. Both Calhoun’s (Willie and Kole) bat left, so it doesn’t really matter who the opposing pitcher is. Willie gets the nod. Now to the next part of the roster.
Outfield
Left Field – Adolis Garcia: This will be a big season for Garcia. He needs to prove that he is not a one hit wonder (aka Danny Santana). Garcia needs to have a great 2022 to be part of the future plans of this team. Either way, he is going to get the nod on opening day barring a terrible or injured spring training.
Center Field – Leody Tavares: The Rangers really want Taveras to work out as the future center fielder. He is fast, a plus defender, and did I mention he is fast? He needs to hit at least his weight. Something he failed to do in 2021 in his time in the big leagues. There is a good chance that he will. I have faith that Tavares can figure it out. I hope I’m correct in that assumption.
Right Field – Kole Calhoun: The Rangers are going to want Calhoun out there from time to time, and I believe opening day will be one of those occasions. Kole is a good defender, not great, but his bat needs to be in the lineup. Plus, I see Calhoun as one of the team leaders, so I see him out there almost every day in some capacity.
Opening Day Starter
This will also come as no surprise (and this is barring any other moves) but I see Jon Gray as the opening day starter. The Rangers brought him in to anchor the rotation in 2022, and that is what he will do.
I may be wrong about the roster. But at least I tried. Thanks for reading and don’t forget to check out the Podcast and go shop at our store.
