The Texas Rangers aren’t approaching the 2026 season with complacency, even after an offseason that quietly brought a sense of stability to the roster. While the winter lacked headline-grabbing signings, president of baseball operations Chris Young believes the club is entering spring training in a solid position though he made it clear the work is not yet complete.
Speaking with Dallas Morning News reporter Shawn McFarland, Young said the Rangers feel “pretty good” about the current state of their roster, particularly on the position-player side. That confidence comes after an offseason focused more on fine-tuning than spending big, as Texas finalized contracts, avoided arbitration disputes, and reshaped its lineup with a greater emphasis on balance and on-base ability rather than sheer power.
The most notable changes stemmed from the departures of Adolis García and Jonah Heim, both key contributors to the franchise’s 2023 championship. García signed with the Phillies, while Heim remains without a team. Instead of attempting direct replacements, the Rangers adjusted their offensive approach, most notably by acquiring Brandon Nimmo from the Mets in the Marcus Semien deal. The move signaled a shift toward plate discipline, defensive flexibility, and lineup stability.
That strategic pivot explains Young’s comfort with the everyday lineup. A projected group featuring Corey Seager, Wyatt Langford, Joc Pederson, Nimmo, and Danny Jansen gives Texas depth and versatility, with fewer boom-or-bust outcomes at the plate. While health will always be a concern, the organization believes the offense is capable of holding its own in the AL West.
Pitching, however, remains the area where Young struck a more measured tone. Both the starting rotation and bullpen could still use reinforcements. FanGraphs projections place Jacob deGrom and Nathan Eovaldi at the front of the rotation, followed by a high-upside but volatile mix that includes Jack Leiter, Kumar Rocker, and Jacob Latz. The potential is significant, but so is the uncertainty.
The Rangers are realistic about deGrom’s workload and cautious about relying too heavily on young arms to provide consistent innings. Adding another dependable starter either through free agency or a late trade would align with Young’s philosophy of pairing upside with stability.
The bullpen presents a similar challenge. Texas is hopeful that Alexis Díaz can rebound from a rough 2025 season in which he struggled mightily across three teams. While there is internal optimism that Díaz can regain his form, the front office isn’t willing to rely on hope alone. Veteran depth remains a priority, with someone like Chris Martin viewed as a potential addition to improve reliability rather than serve as a closer.
Overall, Young’s comments reflect a front office that has a clear understanding of both the roster’s strengths and its vulnerabilities. The Rangers are not tearing things down, nor are they pushing all their chips in. Instead, they are carefully adjusting the roster with an eye toward sustainability.
If Texas can add even modest pitching depth, the team could shift from being viewed as a transitional group to a genuine playoff contender in 2026. For now, Young’s message is straightforward: the groundwork is in place, but there’s still more to do.
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