If you ranked the brightest spots from this Rangers season in order, the development of their all-world utility player, emergence of their All-Star closer and significant strides taken by their former first-round pick infielder might rank one-through-three.
The team’s end-of-season awards reflect that.
Duran, an American League Gold Glove award winner at the utility position, went from fringe roster candidate to irreplacable in the span of months this season. He filled holes created by injuries across the diamond, played seven different defensive positions, was one of the league’s best statistical defenders and had a career-best offensive season. The 27-year-old slashed .260/.320/.419, hit 17 home runs, led the team with 4.4 WAR, per FanGraphs, and was a legitimate candidate to receive AL MVP votes late into the season.
Latz, who competed for the fifth rotation spot in spring training before he was ultimately shifted to the bullpen, finished with a 2.13 ERA and 30 saves in 72 innings. He was named to the AL All-Star team, led the league with 13 saves of multiple innings and established himself as one of the club’s most valuable arms. The 30-year-old former fifth-round draft choice was a late bloomer who, after short big league stints in 2021 and 2023, established himself as a full-time major leaguer last season.
Foscue, like Duran, began the year without a solidified role but emerged as one of the team’s most important hitters. He slashed .271/.332/.484 with 11 home runs, posted a .981 OPS against left-handed pitchers, improved defensively at second base and gave the Rangers an effective platoon at designated hitter. The Rangers selected the 27-year-old in the first round of the 2020 MLB draft, and while his bat always played in the minor leagues, he failed to make an offensive impact in the big leagues before this season.
Additionally, first baseman Jake Burger was given the Jim Sundberg Community Achievment Award, while former shortstop Elvis Andrus was given the Mark Holtz Alumni Award.