Josh Smith

Could this be the year the Rangers find a permanent home for Smith? He's operated as a super-utility player since arriving to the majors in 2022, but the trade of second baseman Marcus Semien opens a spot. Primarily a third baseman and shortstop, Smith has expanded his portfolio to include outfield, first base and second base (eight games). His value to the team spiked the last two years, when he appeared in 293 games with a .716 OPS, 23 steals and 23 home runs. He's also fallen off in the second half of those two seasons. It's fair to wonder if he's suited to an everyday role. Rangers general manager Chris Young referred to second base as an open competition and said Smith was the most established of the internal options that includes Ezequiel Duran, Cody Freeman, Sam Haggerty and Michael Helmen. Read Past Outlooks