Rangers Giving Josh Smith Chance to Win 2B Job

Manager Skip Schumaker sees opportunity for utility man to take over at second base

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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The Texas Rangers are giving utility player Josh Smith a chance to win the starting second base job this spring, with manager Skip Schumaker seeing similarities between Smith's situation and Schumaker's own transition to an everyday infielder role earlier in his career. Smith has spent the past two seasons as a versatile fill-in player for the Rangers, and now has the opportunity to replace Gold Glove winner Marcus Semien at second base despite limited experience at the position.

Why it matters

The Rangers are looking to replace a key piece of their infield after Semien's departure, and Smith's ability to win the job could have a significant impact on the team's lineup and defensive alignment in 2026. Schumaker's own experience transitioning to an everyday role suggests he understands the challenges Smith may face, but also the potential upside if Smith can seize the opportunity.

The details

Smith has started his first five Cactus League games at second base and played error-free in limited defensive opportunities. He's played only eight career big league games at second base — half of which came last season — but has started at each infield and outfield position as the club's super utility man for the past two years. Schumaker acknowledged that infielder Ezequiel Duran is still in contention for the job, but said Smith, given his experience and track record of offensive success, should be considered the favorite. Schumaker is looking for Smith to 'take hold of it and force me to play him every single day'.

  • The Rangers' spring training games began in late February 2026.

The players

Josh Smith

A utility player for the Texas Rangers who is now the lead candidate to replace Gold Glove-winner Marcus Semien at second base.

Skip Schumaker

The manager of the Texas Rangers, who previously transitioned from a utility player role to an everyday second baseman during his playing career with the St. Louis Cardinals.

Marcus Semien

The former Gold Glove-winning second baseman for the Texas Rangers who has since departed the team.

Ezequiel Duran

An infielder for the Texas Rangers who is also in contention for the starting second base job.

Tony La Russa

The former manager of the St. Louis Cardinals who gave Schumaker the opportunity to become an everyday second baseman during his playing career.

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What they’re saying

“It's kind of Smitty's opportunity right now. Go get it, take it, don't look back.”

— Skip Schumaker, Manager, Texas Rangers (dallasnews.com)

“The work has been good. I can live with whatever mistakes are possibly going to happen — and they will — because of how hard he's working.”

— Skip Schumaker, Manager, Texas Rangers (dallasnews.com)

“I'm looking for him just to take hold of it and force me to play him every single day. Where I have to be like, 'Gosh, man, how do I not put this guy in the lineup?'”

— Skip Schumaker, Manager, Texas Rangers (dallasnews.com)

What’s next

The Rangers will continue to evaluate Josh Smith and the other candidates for the second base job throughout spring training, with the goal of having the starting lineup set by Opening Day.

The takeaway

The Rangers' decision to give Josh Smith a chance to win the starting second base job reflects the team's willingness to provide opportunities for versatile players to step up and seize key roles. Schumaker's own experience transitioning to an everyday infielder role suggests he understands the challenges Smith may face, but also the potential upside if Smith can capitalize on this chance.