The Texas Rangers — two years removed from their 2023 World Series run — are staring down a rudderless freefall after a.500 season in 2025 (81–81) and a flurry of offseason changes. The front office has shed payroll, depth, and a chunk of last season’s identity: longtime second-baseman Marcus Semien was traded, 2023 postseason heroes like Adolis García and catcher Jonah Heim were non-tendered, and new blood is coming in under first-year manager Skip Schumaker. The window for contention isn’t shut — but unless Texas pivots aggressively this winter, it could slam.
1. Rebuild a credible everyday lineup — corner bats and youth infusion needed
Cutting García signals Texas is ditching flash for disciplined consistency. The club needs at least one strong corner bat — either via free agency or trade — to stabilize the lineup around core guys like Corey Seager. Brandon Nimmo, whom they acquired for Semien, is interesting, but don’t forget depth and insurance against injuries in a long season.
2. Rebuild rotation depth behind the top of the staff
Trading Semien brought financial relief, but did nothing to strengthen pitching. With Jacob deGrom healthy again and Nathan Eovaldi still a legit front-line arm, the Rangers enter 2026 with a strong one-two punch. The problem is everything behind them. Texas needs at least two durable mid-rotation starters to prevent another year of overworked relievers and hopes pinned on perfect health.
3. Reload the bullpen — again
With the club non-tendering relievers Josh Sborz and Jacob Webb, the Rangers let go of several veterans who contributed to the 2023 title run. The 2026 bullpen needs at least two high-leverage arms: a shutdown righty for late innings, and a dependable 7th/8th-inning bridge to stop another roll of the dice.
