The Texas Rangers made waves this offseason when they acquired left-hander MacKenzie Gore, a former top-3 draft pick with electric stuff but an uneven track record. While the departure of respected pitching coach Mike Maddux might’ve raised a few eyebrows, the Rangers appear confident in their internal infrastructure - and for good reason.
New Lead Voice, Familiar Face
Jordan Tiegs steps in as the Rangers’ main pitching coach, but he’s hardly a newcomer. After building a solid reputation in the Rangers’ minor league system, Tiegs spent last season working alongside Maddux during a year when Texas boasted one of MLB’s most effective starting rotations. Now, he takes the reins, and he’s got the tools - and the track record - to guide a talent like Gore.
Tiegs’ influence has already been felt. Just look at Jack Leiter.
The 25-year-old righty made a significant leap in 2025, tossing 151.2 innings across 29 starts with a 3.86 ERA and 148 strikeouts. That’s a major step forward from his rookie campaign, and much of that progress has been linked to the work he did with Tiegs leading into the season.
Tiegs also played a key role in the early development of Cole Ragans before Ragans was dealt - another example of his impact on young arms.
Veteran Wisdom in the Clubhouse
But Tiegs isn’t the only resource Gore will have at his disposal. Texas boasts one of the most experienced and accomplished veteran duos in the game in Jacob deGrom and Nathan Eovaldi - and their presence could be just as critical to Gore’s growth.
deGrom, a two-time Cy Young winner, reminded everyone what he’s capable of last season, earning AL Comeback Player of the Year honors and making 30 starts - his most since 2019. After years of battling injuries, he returned to form in a big way, showing he still has the elite command and devastating arsenal that made him one of the most feared pitchers in baseball.
Then there’s Eovaldi, who earned the nickname “Big Game Nate” for a reason. He became the first pitcher in MLB history to notch a 5-0 record in a single postseason during the Rangers’ 2023 World Series run. His postseason pedigree and fearless mentality on the mound make him a valuable mentor for any young pitcher trying to find consistency at the highest level.
Together, deGrom and Eovaldi bring 26 combined seasons of big-league experience, 564 games pitched, over 3,300 strikeouts, and a combined WAR approaching 68. That’s not just leadership - that’s a masterclass in how to survive and thrive on a big-league mound.
Gore’s Untapped Potential
There’s no denying MacKenzie Gore has the raw tools to be special. He was the third overall pick in the 2017 draft for a reason.
The fastball has life. The breaking stuff can be nasty.
But so far, the results haven’t quite matched the hype.
In four MLB seasons, Gore holds a 4.15 ERA with 589 strikeouts in 532.1 innings. He’s also led the league in wild pitches in back-to-back seasons - 12 in 2024 and 14 in 2025 - a sign that command and consistency are still a work in progress. That said, he spent the past three seasons with Washington, a team still finding its footing, and the change of scenery alone could be a catalyst.
The Rangers clearly believe in his upside - enough to part with five prospects to bring him in. That’s a significant price tag, but it also signals just how much they value Gore’s ceiling. And with Tiegs leading the development charge, and veterans like deGrom and Eovaldi offering daily guidance, Gore is in a better position than ever to take the next step.
The Path Forward
Turning potential into production is never a straight line, especially for young pitchers. But Gore now finds himself in one of the most supportive and knowledgeable environments in the league. He’s surrounded by a coaching staff that has already helped young arms elevate their game, and he’s got two of the most battle-tested pitchers in baseball just a locker away.
It won’t happen overnight - development rarely does. But if Gore is going to unlock the talent that made him a top draft pick and a centerpiece in multiple trades, this is the setting to do it.
The Rangers are betting big on Gore’s future. And with the structure they’ve built around him, it’s a bet that might just pay off.