The Texas Rangers have a lot of needs to address at the Winter Meetings in Orlando this week after earlier offseason moves that have shifted the look of the organization.

They aren’t expected to make big splashes as they’ve done a number of times throughout the years but to go without making a single roster addition could hurt in the long run. While payroll will give them a hill to climb, the Rangers can still make it out of the four days with a positive swing.

Payroll will likely halter Rangers’ hopes of signing top free agent catcher

Fans have to sick and tired of hearing how the team wants to cut payroll and how owner Ray Davis suddenly doesn’t want to spend anymore after three straight seasons of committing money to free agent targets.

This hesitation is halting the team’s search for their next catcher. The release of Jonah Heim leaves Texas down one catcher and the obvious target for anyone would be former Philadelphia Philly J.T. Realmuto

Realmuto, 35, is easily the best catcher on the free agent market and has been one of the most consistent backstops in the league since his with Miami just over a decade ago. While his bat struggled in 2025, he is still a high value option.

According to projections, Realmuto will get a multi-year deal with an AAV of $30 million, which is way too rich for Texas. Other options include Victor Caratini, Ryan Jeffers, the Miami Marlins or other short-term options until Malcolm Moore is ready.

Rangers examining internal options for second base

As was expected to be the case the Rangers next second baseman lies in the hands of someone already in the organization, according to DLLS Sports Jeff Wilson. Trading their Gold Glove infielder Marcus Semien to the New York Mets was always going to be a tough move and it will be even harder to replace him.

For the Rangers at least, they’ve been prepping a handful of younger options over the years and expect one of them to step up into that role.

Majority of the signs are pointing toward finally rewarding long-time utlity man Josh Smith as the primary second baseman but with the rise of Cody Freeman, versatility of Michael Helman and Ezequiel Duran, the Rangers have several options to choose from.

Worth also pointing out that Wilson also did note that Rangers’ General Manager Ross Fenstermaker didn’t rule out external candidates, saying they would “be opportunistic for free agent or trade opportunities.”

Sborz and Armstrong are strong candidates to return to Rangers’ pen

Coming off one of the best seasons of his career, the 35-year-old said earlier this week that he is hopeful he can return to the Rangers after entering free agency following just one season with the team.

As for the 2023 World Champion Josh Sborz, he was non-tendered a contract in November and subsequently released alongside a handful of the organization’s champion faces. In somewhat of a shocking nature, President of Baseball Operations Chris Young enthusiastically wants Sborz back.

Getting them onboard for 2026 could take some maneuvering as Armstrong is reportedly looking for a bit of stability from a multi-year deal while Sborz didn’t pitch at all in 2025 and Texas could get locked in negotiations on salary based off that.