Sep 9, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Texas Rangers center fielder Michael Helman (24) celebrates with Texas Rangers catcher Jonah Heim (28) after hitting a two-run home run during the fifth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

The Texas Rangers have a collection of young players some are deeming “The Little Rascals”. They are a big part of the reason that the team is now 1.5 games out of the wildcard and only 2.5 games out of the division lead.

This team was pronounced dead by many including myself. I even said on the podcast it was time to start looking ahead to the 2026 Rangers.

I was wrong. All it took to help this team become successful was injuries to Corey Seager, Marcus Semien, Adolis Garcia, Evan Carter, Nathan Eovaldi and Jon Gray.

Enter the little rascals. Alejandro Osuna, Cody Freeman, Michael Helman, Dustin Harris and even Ezequiel Duran. Players who are making a big difference between winning and losing.

Over the past two nights, the Brewers were supposed to sweep the Rangers or at least take the series. The little rascals didn’t realize that and contributed to both Rangers victories.

“A huge adrenaline rush, I couldn’t sleep last night.” Helman said when asked about his past 24 hours which included a grand slam, a home run robbery and another home run hit. “I had a bunch of adrenaline still going. But it’s cool. It’s fun. I just want to play the game hard, play the game right. When I’m on defense, I’m willing to put my body on the line to go make plays. When you play the game hard, good things usually happen.”

Winning is Contagious

Players like Jonah Heim, Josh Jung, Josh Smith and Wyatt Langford are taking not and playing better. Watching these players continue to win games is making some veterans want to get involved.

“They’re playing loose, they’re playing free,” manager Bruce Bochy said of the young guys. “They’ve tried to prove that it’s not one or two guys that will be the reason we get there. It’s going to take everybody. It’s been somebody different, it seems like every night.”

The pitching is still doing its job, and now the hitting has (for now) come around. I still am skeptical of a post season appearance, but I now believe it is very possible.

This team is playing for 2025, and its showing. They look like they’re having fun again. They look like a team, not a group of players.

The Rangers have their final showdown with the Astros next week and it could decide who leads the American League West. This is going to be fun.

Tags: Alejandro Osuna Cody Freeman little rascals Michael Helman Texas Rangers winning

Categorized:Rangers The Ranger Report