Rangers Rally

With the opening of the international signing period, the Rangers have landed deals with 20 international prospects from four different countries. The highlight of this pool is Dominican outfielder Elian Rosario, who reportedly signed for $2.5 million. At 6'2" and 195 pounds, the 17-year old ranks as the 10th overall international prospect, featuring a strong bat and a cannon arm. As he joins a talented group of prospects in the Rangers organization, the club hopes to build a strong club in the coming years and make another run at the World Championship. 

Back in November, Rangers rightfielder Adolis Garcia elected free agency, eventually signing with the Phillies on a one-year, $10 million contract. Although he was a major contributor to the Rangers in the past, especially the 2023 World Championship team, Rangers fans can be optimistic that the 2026 Rangers will be a better team without him.  Although Garcia wasn't around terribly long in Arlington, he is already headed into his age-33 season, due to playing his first full season at age 28. While he slashed .246 / .305 / .472 (113 OPS+) with 97 homers from 2021-23, he has been below average in each of the past two seasons (.225 / .278 / .397 / 96 OPS+). This is particularly unacceptable for a rightfielder, which is typically an offense-first position. Additionally, he made $9.25 million in 2025, and his salary was clearly on the rise despite his value being clearly on the decline.  Rangers fans should remember with appreciation Garcia's immense contributions to the club in ye...

On December 16, the Rangers announced that they had signed reliever Alexis Diaz to a one-year contract. This move is a gamble for GM Chris Young, but it could be one that pays off.  Diaz had a forgettable 2025 season, struggling to an 8.15 ERA in 18 appearances for three different teams. Further, his fastball velocity dipped to a career-low 93.5 miles per hour, which ranked in the 35th percentile according to  Baseball Savant . However, Diaz is a former top reliever, posting a 1.84 ERA in 2022 and saving 37 games as an all-star in 2023. The brother of Edwin Diaz, Alexis should have pitching in his blood.  A potential curb to Diaz's development is the departure of former Rangers pitching coach Mike Maddux to the Angels in the offseason, presenting a challenge for the coaching staff. However, his replacement, former pro pitcher Jordan Tiegs, was an on-field contributor with Maddux last season, and together they helped free agent acquisitions Shawn Armstrong, Chris Martin, H...

Late last month, former Rangers pitcher Andrew Heaney announced his retirement from baseball. He had played twelve seasons in the Majors, suiting up for the Marlins, Angels, Yankees, Dodgers, Rangers, and Pirates. Two years ago, he was a key contributor to the Rangers' only World Series title.  In 2023, Heaney went 10-6 with 151 strikeouts in 147.1 innings for Texas. In the World Series, he posted a 1.59 ERA, taking home the win in Game 4 on short rest. He stayed with the team in 2024, collecting 159 strikeouts in 160 innings, providing solid production toward the end of the rotation.  Overall, Heaney finished with a won-loss record of 56-72, a 4.57 ERA, and 1,156 strikeouts in 1,136.2 innings. He tied for the MLB lead in shutouts with one in 2018 as a member of the Angels.  Congratulations on a great career, Andrew Heaney, and thank you for your contributions to the Rangers! You will be missed.

On November 23, the Rangers traded their regular second baseman Marcus Semien to the Mets for outfielder Brandon Nimmo. While many fans were disappointed at losing Semien, the Rangers should win this deal in the long term. Brandon Nimmo enjoyed a productive ten-year tenure in New York, slashing .262 / .364 / .438 (124 OPS+) with 135 home runs. At age 33 on Opening Day, he is two years younger than Semien, and is coming off his third straight season with 20 or more homers, setting a career high with 25. Nimmo's contract runs through 2030, meaning the Rangers will have him for five full seasons. Semien, on the other hand, turned 35 in September, and has had successively declining seasons after his outstanding campaign in 2023. He slashed .230 / .305 / .364 (97 OPS+) with 15 homers in 2025, his worst offensive season to date. Despite a more valuable defensive profile than Nimmo, Semien seems to be experiencing the effects of his age. Furthermore, his contract only runs through 2028, s...