Rangers Add Infield Depth with Jonah Bride Amid Offseason Buzz
The Texas Rangers continue to shape their roster this offseason, and their latest move brings in some infield insurance. The club has signed Jonah Bride to a minor league deal with an invite to big league camp, giving them a versatile option who can cover first, second, and third base.
Bride’s 2025 season was a rocky ride. He started the year with the Miami Marlins, but after hitting just .100 in 12 games, he was traded to the Minnesota Twins.
Things didn’t improve much in Minnesota, where he posted a 44 OPS+ in 33 games before being designated for assignment and finishing the season with Triple-A St. Paul.
That said, the Rangers are hoping to tap into the version of Bride who flashed real upside in 2024. That year, under now-Rangers manager Skip Schumaker, Bride hit .276 with a .357 on-base percentage and a .461 slugging mark-good for a 125 OPS+-while launching 11 home runs in 71 games. If that bat shows up in spring training, Bride could become a sneaky asset off the bench or even push for a utility role.
What’s Next in Arlington? Plenty of Rumors Swirling
The offseason rumor mill is spinning fast in Texas, and the Rangers are right in the thick of it. With no games on the schedule, speculation takes center stage, and there’s no shortage of it around this club.
Could Josh Jung Be on the Move?
One of the more surprising names to pop up in trade chatter is Josh Jung. According to MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand, the 2023 All-Star and World Series champ is a potential trade candidate this winter.
Jung had a tough 2025 season, dealing with injuries and a stint in Triple-A. He played just 46 games and struggled to find his rhythm at the plate.
Still, given his track record and upside, any trade involving Jung would be a bold swing for Texas.
Free Agent Targets: Marcell Ozuna and J.T. Realmuto
Feinsand also linked the Rangers to free-agent slugger Marcell Ozuna, a name that surfaced around the trade deadline last summer. Ozuna is coming off back-to-back seasons with an OPS north of .900, and while his 2025 numbers dipped a bit-.232/.355/.400 with a 113 OPS+ and 1.6 bWAR-he still brings serious pop to the DH spot.
Another name to watch: J.T. Realmuto.
The veteran catcher is on the market and reportedly looking for a two-year deal, per The Athletic’s Jim Bowden. Realmuto posted a 91 OPS+ and 2.5 bWAR in 2025, and he’d represent a clear upgrade behind the plate if the Rangers move on from Jonah Heim.
Realmuto’s leadership and playoff experience would also fit nicely in a clubhouse looking to stay in contention.
Pitching Help on the Radar
Starting pitching is another area where the Rangers could make a splash. ESPN’s Jeff Passan and Kiley McDaniel listed seven arms who could be on the Rangers’ radar: Freddy Peralta (Brewers), Joe Ryan (Twins), Kris Bubic (Royals), Mitch Keller (Pirates), Sandy Alcantara (Marlins), Brady Singer (Reds), and MacKenzie Gore (Nationals).
It’s no secret the Rangers need to replenish their rotation after losing Tyler Mahle and Merrill Kelly. Any of those names would bring a boost, but landing someone like Ryan or Gore would signal that Texas is still all-in on competing in 2026.
Bullpen Watch: Could Shawn Armstrong Return?
The Rangers’ bullpen took a hit this offseason, with several key arms hitting free agency-including right-hander Shawn Armstrong. But there’s still a chance he returns to Arlington.
According to Jeff Wilson of DLLS Sports, Armstrong is open to re-signing with the Rangers and is reportedly seeking a two-year deal. He was a workhorse last season, logging a career-high 74 innings with a stellar 2.31 ERA (3.07 FIP), a 26.1% strikeout rate, and nine saves. His ability to handle high-leverage spots and provide consistency out of the pen makes him a strong candidate for a reunion-if the price is right.
Bottom Line: The Rangers aren’t sitting still. Between low-risk depth moves like the Bride signing and high-upside targets in free agency and trade talks, Texas looks like a team that’s not content with last year’s results. Whether it’s bringing back a trusted bullpen arm, chasing a veteran bat, or making a splash for a front-line starter, the Rangers are clearly looking to reload-not rebuild.