The Texas Rangers took a meaningful step forward in shaping their 2026 rotation when they acquired left-hander MacKenzie Gore in late January, but the move also added intrigue to the battle for the final spot on the staff.
Gore slots into a rotation anchored by Jacob deGrom and Nathan Eovaldi, giving Texas a formidable front end.
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Jack Leiter, entering his second full major-league season, appears well-positioned to claim another starting role, while Cody Bradford is targeting a return from injury around mid-May.
That leaves the Rangers with decisions to make at the back of the rotation as Spring Training approaches.
According to Kennedi Landry of MLB.com, Rangers officials have emphasized flexibility rather than urgency in determining how the remaining roles will shake out.
General manager Ross Fenstermaker noted that the Gore acquisition creates added competition and optionality, allowing the club to evaluate multiple deployment paths once camp begins.
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Two internal candidates stand out: Left-hander Jacob Latz and right-hander Kumar Rocker.
Latz served as a valuable swingman in 2025, logging time both out of the bullpen and in spot starts. He was particularly effective when stretched out, posting strong results across his starts while maintaining solid production as a reliever.
While his versatility enhances his value, Latz has made it clear that his preference is to start, and the organization plans to give him that opportunity in camp.
Rocker, meanwhile, enters 2026 seeking a reset after a challenging rookie season. The former first-round pick showed flashes of his upside but struggled with consistency, leading to a midseason option to Triple-A and a focus on mechanical adjustments.
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Rangers officials believe that Rocker benefited from the experience, citing improved preparation and offseason work as reasons for optimism heading into Spring Training.
Beyond Latz and Rocker, Texas has built considerable depth. Several highly regarded pitching prospects remain on the organizational radar, while veterans Cal Quantrill and Austin Gomber are in camp on minor-league deals.
That group gives manager Skip Schumaker multiple contingency plans should injuries or performance shifts arise.
Ultimately, the Rangers expect competition to dictate the outcome. As Fenstermaker and president of baseball operations Chris Young have reiterated, the fifth starter role will be earned in camp, with performance determining who breaks with the club and who provides depth as the season unfolds.
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