MLB Rumors: Rangers Reveal 3 Things They Are Still Looking To Add
After adding Danny Jansen and Tyler Alexander, and with an Alexis Díaz agreement reportedly in place, the front office is basically telling everyone that more is coming.
Jeff Wilson’s report that Texas is still shopping for a starting pitcher, a right-handed bat, and more bullpen help fits exactly with how this roster looks right now. The lineup skewed left quickly after the Marcus Semien trade and the Adolis Garcia departure, and the rotation behind the top two gets thin in a hurry.
Texas Rangers starting pitcher search after offseason losses
The Rangers can still sell you on a strong front of the rotation, because Nathan Eovaldi and Jacob deGrom are a legitimate one-two punch when healthy and rolling. The issue is everything that follows, because last season’s depth is gone and the back end now leans heavily on young arms and uncertainty.
Jack Leiter’s workload was encouraging, but betting on him to be the steady third starter from day one is still a big ask. Kumar Rocker flashed, struggled, and looked like someone who still needs time to settle at the big-league level, which is normal, but it leaves Texas exposed if injuries hit again.
Just wrapped up a conference call with #Rangers president of baseball operations Chris Young and general manager Ross Fenstermaker. The main takeaway is that the Rangers continue to target bullpen help, a starting pitcher and a right-handed bat.
— Jeff Wilson (@JeffWilsonTXR) December 16, 2025
That’s why a mid-rotation addition makes so much sense, someone who can slot behind the aces and stabilize the innings so the bullpen does not get cooked by June. The tricky part is budget, because the Rangers have been linked to a tighter spending plan this winter, which pushes them toward value starters or creative trade angles rather than the top of the market.
Texas Rangers right-handed bat targets for 2026 lineup
The right-handed bat need is just as obvious once you look at how the lineup is shaping up. Brandon Nimmo replaces some of what was lost in the outfield, but he adds another left-handed presence, and Josh Smith stepping into a bigger role keeps that trend going.
With lefty bats like Corey Seager, Joc Pederson, and Evan Carter also in the mix, Texas is going to run into matchups where the balance feels off, especially if Carter and Pederson continue to be better protected against tougher lefties. A right-handed outfield bat who can also rotate through designated hitter would give manager Skip Schumaker an easier lineup map and a cleaner late-game plan.
#Rangers are not playing at the top end of the relief market, which comes as no surprise, and will continue to attempt to replicate the success of the 2025 bullpen. Strike throwing will be the top trait #Rangers will seek to fill out their bullpen.
— Jeff Wilson (@JeffWilsonTXR) December 16, 2025
The free agent group has options that should not break the bank, but Texas also has to decide whether a trade swing, like checking in on Luis Robert Jr., is worth the prospect cost in a winter where they have multiple needs. Even a glove-first outfielder from a team like the Houston Astros comes with complications, because division deals are never simple and Houston’s reported asks might not line up with what Texas can offer.
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