Rangers Reveal Potential Opening Day Lineup

Manager Skip Schumaker shares plans for top of the order and designated hitter spot

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The Texas Rangers are looking to bounce back offensively in 2026 after a down year at the plate. New manager Skip Schumaker has revealed that the top four batters in the Rangers' lineup could be Brandon Nimmo, Wyatt Langford, Corey Seager, and Jake Burger. Burger has been swinging a hot bat in spring training, while Nimmo and Seager will look to provide a spark atop the order. Schumaker also indicated that the designated hitter spot could be a platoon between Joc Pederson and veteran Andrew McCutchen.

Why it matters

The Rangers struggled mightily on offense last season, so the lineup configuration will be crucial to their hopes of returning to the playoffs in 2026. Schumaker's plans for the top of the order and DH spot could provide a significant boost if the key pieces can stay healthy and productive.

The details

Schumaker sounds "pretty attached" to a top four of Nimmo, Langford, Seager, and Burger. Burger has been impressive in spring training, hitting .318 with 3 home runs and 7 RBIs. Nimmo and Seager will look to bounce back after down years in 2025. At DH, the Rangers could platoon Pederson and McCutchen, with Pederson facing right-handers and McCutchen handling lefties.

  • The Rangers open the 2026 season on March 28.

The players

Skip Schumaker

The new manager of the Texas Rangers, tasked with reviving the team's struggling offense.

Brandon Nimmo

The Rangers' projected leadoff hitter, known for his power and high on-base percentage.

Wyatt Langford

A young outfielder expected to be a key part of the Rangers' lineup in 2026.

Corey Seager

The Rangers' star shortstop, looking to stay healthy and bounce back after a down year in 2025.

Jake Burger

The Rangers' first baseman, who has been swinging a hot bat in spring training.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The Rangers will continue to evaluate their lineup options during the remainder of spring training before finalizing their opening day roster.

The takeaway

The Rangers' offensive struggles last season put a lot of pressure on the team to improve in 2026, and Schumaker's plans for the top of the order and DH spot could be key to their bounce-back efforts.