Rangers Enter 2026 Spring Training with Questions, Opportunity, and a Lot to Prove
We’re just days away from baseballs flying in the desert and Florida sun, and for the Texas Rangers, spring training in Surprise, Arizona, can’t come soon enough. After two straight seasons on the outside looking in come October, the defending 2023 World Series champs are trying to rediscover their identity-and their edge.
The roster looks different. Some familiar faces from that title run are gone. And while the front office hasn’t made major waves this offseason, the Rangers still have time-and options-to reshape their narrative heading into the 2026 season.
Ranked 17th? Fair, But Far From Final
Let’s start with the obvious: the Rangers aren’t getting much love in the early power rankings. Sitting at 17th, nestled between the Reds and Royals, they’re firmly in the middle of the pack. It’s not a flattering spot for a team that hoisted the Commissioner’s Trophy just a couple of years ago.
And yet, it’s not entirely unfair either.
Texas has had a quiet winter by most standards. While other contenders loaded up, the Rangers mostly stood pat-at least until they pulled off a deal with the Nationals to bring in left-hander MacKenzie Gore. That move cost them five prospects, but it added a much-needed arm to a rotation that’s been high on potential and low on durability.
Still, the holes are hard to ignore. The lineup needs more pop.
The bullpen still has question marks. And the depth, particularly in the outfield and at DH, leaves plenty to be desired.
But here’s the thing about pre-spring rankings: they’re educated guesses. Nothing more.
Nothing less. They don’t account for breakout players, bounce-back seasons, or the kind of chemistry that can’t be measured until the games start counting.
So no, this isn’t time to hit the panic button. It’s time to get to work.
What Will It Take to Climb?
Let’s be real: the Dodgers are the gold standard right now. If the Rangers want to sniff the top of the power rankings this season, they’ll need more than just a solid spring. They’ll need to make real strides-on the field and possibly in free agency.
Offensively, Texas could use another bat. Last season’s lineup lacked the thump that made them so dangerous in 2023.
With Miguel Andujar reportedly heading to San Diego, the Rangers’ options are narrowing. But one name still floating out there is Marcell Ozuna.
Yes, Ozuna’s coming off a down year, but he’s just two seasons removed from a 39-homer, 104-RBI campaign with Atlanta. Even in a diminished role, he’s projected to bring close to 30 home runs and 80 RBIs to the table. For a team in need of a middle-of-the-order presence, that’s worth a long look.
On the pitching side, the addition of Gore gives the rotation a boost, but it’s still a group that could use some insurance. Right now, the projected five-man rotation features Jacob deGrom, Nathan Eovaldi, Gore, Jack Leiter, and a fifth spot up for grabs between Cody Bradford, Jacob Latz, and Kumar Rocker.
That fifth starter slot is a wildcard-and an opportunity. Whether it’s one of the internal options stepping up or a late veteran signing, Texas has room to maneuver.
There’s even been some quiet buzz about a reunion with Max Scherzer or a low-cost deal for someone like Justin Verlander. Both are aging, sure, but both bring experience, leadership, and the kind of playoff pedigree that can still move the needle.
The Window Isn’t Closed-But It’s Cracking
The Rangers aren’t in rebuild mode. Not even close. But they are at a crossroads.
The 2023 title was built on a mix of savvy signings, young talent, and timely performances. Since then, the formula hasn’t quite clicked.
Injuries, regression, and roster turnover have taken their toll. Now, with a new season on the horizon, it’s time to see if this group can recalibrate and contend-or if more drastic changes are coming.
There’s still plenty of talent here. If deGrom and Eovaldi can stay healthy, if Gore settles in, and if the lineup gets a boost, Texas could surprise some people.
But it’s going to take more than hope. It’s going to take action-on the field and in the front office.
Spring training won’t answer every question, but it will start to reveal who’s ready to step up-and whether the Rangers are ready to rise again.