Rangers Finally Join the Offseason Action, Sign Danny Jansen and Two Relievers in Friday Night Flurry
Until Friday night, the Texas Rangers had been one of the few MLB teams sitting on the sidelines during free agency. That changed in a hurry. After weeks of silence, the defending World Series champs made a trio of moves, addressing some of their most pressing needs - and doing so with a familiar flavor of former Milwaukee Brewers talent.
Let’s unpack what went down, why it matters, and what it tells us about where the Rangers are headed this offseason.
Texas Adds Danny Jansen Behind the Plate
The headliner of the night was catcher Danny Jansen, who agreed to a two-year, $14.5 million deal with the Rangers - a contract that could reach $15.5 million with bonuses.
Jansen, an eight-year MLB veteran and Appleton, Wisconsin native, was acquired by the Brewers at the 2025 trade deadline in a deal that sent infield prospect Jadher Areinamo to the Rays. While Jansen only played 25 games for Milwaukee, he made the most of his limited time, slashing .254/.346/.433 and finishing strong with a productive September. He didn’t see any postseason action - thanks largely to William Contreras' ironman workload - but Jansen’s veteran presence and offensive upside didn’t go unnoticed.
Now, he heads to Arlington, where he’ll compete with Kyle Higashioka for the starting job. And here’s where things get interesting.
The Rangers had previously non-tendered Jonah Heim, a key piece of their championship run, due to rising arbitration costs. Heim was projected to earn around $6 million in 2026. So in effect, Texas is paying an extra $1.75 million annually to swap Heim for Jansen - a move that raises eyebrows for a team supposedly tightening its belt.
But from a baseball standpoint, Jansen brings a solid mix of experience, offensive pop, and game-calling ability. He was one of the better catchers available in free agency, and the Rangers clearly saw enough value to make the investment - even if it came with a bit of sticker shock.
Rangers Bolster the Bullpen with Alexander and Díaz
Catching wasn’t the only area Texas addressed. The Rangers also inked one-year deals with left-hander Tyler Alexander and right-hander Alexis Díaz, two relievers who could help stabilize a bullpen that’s been hit hard by departures and roster churn.
Alexander, who started 2025 with Milwaukee, played the role of Swiss Army knife for a Brewers staff that was decimated by injuries early in the season. He pitched as a starter, a multi-inning bridge guy, and even in some high-leverage spots. But the results were mixed - a 6.19 ERA ultimately led to his DFA and a fresh start with the White Sox, where he showed modest improvement.
He’s not a flashy signing, but Alexander gives the Rangers some much-needed versatility. He can eat innings, handle different roles, and provide depth - all things Texas desperately needs right now.
Díaz, meanwhile, spent much of 2025 in Triple-A but has shown flashes of upside in the past. While financial terms weren’t disclosed, neither deal is expected to be a major financial commitment, especially given Alexander’s $1 million salary with Milwaukee last offseason and Díaz’s minor league track record.
A Shift in Strategy for the Champs
The Rangers’ flurry of moves comes amid a clear shift in organizational strategy. After going all-in to win the 2023 World Series - and succeeding - Texas is now navigating the financial fallout of that aggressive push.
Earlier this offseason, the Rangers traded Marcus Semien to the Mets in a move aimed at reducing their 2026 payroll. That came on the heels of non-tendering both Heim and Adolis García, two key contributors whose arbitration numbers were climbing.
Friday night’s signings reflect a team trying to thread the needle - staying competitive while managing costs. Jansen may be a slight upgrade over Heim, but at a higher price. Alexander and Díaz are low-risk bullpen additions who could fill important innings without breaking the bank.
There’s still plenty of work to be done. Texas has multiple holes in the bullpen, questions in the outfield, and a roster that’s suddenly thinner than it was during their title run. But after weeks of inactivity, the Rangers are finally making moves - and sending a message that they’re not content to stand still, even in a more financially cautious phase.
Bottom Line:
The Rangers didn’t make a splash with superstar signings, but they took meaningful steps toward reshaping their roster.
Danny Jansen brings a steady hand behind the plate. Tyler Alexander and Alexis Díaz offer depth and flexibility in a bullpen that needs both.
For a team trying to balance the books without taking a step back, Friday night was a start - and a sign that Texas still plans to be in the mix in 2026.