The Texas Rangers are in the midst of significant changes to their offense following a disappointing performance during the 2025 season. Despite efforts to enhance their lineup, key questions remain about their ability to compete effectively as they prepare for the upcoming 2026 season.
With just weeks left before pitchers and catchers report to Surprise, Arizona, team officials are not closing the door on potential reinforcements. General Manager Chris Young emphasized during a recent call with reporters that the Rangers will remain “open-minded and opportunistic” regarding any new additions. He reiterated that “pitching is the main focus,” indicating that while offensive adjustments are critical, the club is primarily focused on strengthening its rotation and bullpen.
The Rangers struggled offensively in 2025, ranking among the bottom five teams in various major statistical categories. As they look ahead, the team is poised to rely heavily on the adjustments made during the offseason, particularly with the acquisition of new players. Josh Smith, who plays shortstop, is expected to be a key figure in the lineup. Smith’s performance will be crucial, especially since he has faced challenges maintaining his statistics throughout an entire season. His on-base plus slugging percentage notably dipped by an average of .237 percentage points after the All-Star break over the past two seasons.
Smith, 27, aims to prove that he can perform consistently beyond the first half of the season. Young acknowledged that the Rangers’ coaching staff has not always utilized Smith’s talents effectively, noting that his varied roles across the diamond have complicated his performance. Alongside Smith, Cody Freeman and Ezequiel Duran will also be vying for key positions. Duran’s impressive performance in the Dominican Professional Baseball League, where he achieved a batting line of .338/.399/.463 over 35 games, has generated optimism regarding his potential impact.
The outfield remains a crucial point of contention for the Rangers. Although two positions appear solidified, a fierce competition is anticipated for the remaining spot. Jack Leiter, once viewed as the club’s top prospect, needs to demonstrate his ability to stay healthy and enhance his batting performance against left-handed pitchers to solidify his role.
With a combination of Kumar Rocker, Brandon Nimmo, and a fully healthy Leiter, the Rangers could construct an outfield that balances experience and emerging talent. Yet, if Leiter struggles with injuries or performance, the team’s depth will be tested. Osuna, 23, showed flashes of promise during his rookie season but has much to prove after finishing with a .591 OPS and a .091 average against left-handed pitchers.
The Rangers opted not to make significant trades during the last season’s deadline, prioritizing enhancements to their rotation and bullpen instead. Young has indicated that this offseason mirrors that approach, emphasizing that the success of the upcoming season hinges on internal improvements from players who faced challenges last year.
Predictions from the Steamer model suggest a more productive season for several key players. For instance, Jake Burger is projected to achieve a batting line of .246/.298/.455 with 24 home runs, while Josh Jung is anticipated to hit .252/.298/.422 with 15 home runs. Meanwhile, Joc Pederson is forecasted at .240/.338/.442 with 16 home runs. The average of their projected wRC+ ratings equals 109, a significant improvement compared to last season’s performance.
Young expressed confidence in the team’s prospects, stating, “We, as an organization, have a lot to prove. These players are motivated and hungry. Not to say that they weren’t last year, but there’s an edge to these guys.” As the Rangers gear up for the 2026 season, the blend of potential and urgency will be pivotal in determining their offensive success.
