The Texas Rangers are targeting a key upgrade to their offense this offseason by pursuing veteran slugger Marcell Ozuna as a potential reinforcement, particularly in the designated hitter role.

After Texas struggled mightily at that position in 2025, improving that spot has become a priority as the club looks to return to postseason contention.

*Prediction*

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Last season, the Rangers were among the worst teams in the American League in production from their designated hitters, finishing at the bottom with a .607 OPS.

Their attempt to solve that issue with Joc Pederson did not yield the expected results, leaving a glaring hole in the lineup. Adding someone with greater power and consistency is now viewed as essential for Texas.

Why Ozuna Makes Sense in Texas

Ozuna’s offensive résumé — despite a down year in 2025 — still offers a clear improvement over what the Rangers have had in the DH spot. In Atlanta, he hit 21 home runs with 68 RBIs and a .756 OPS across 145 games, figures that would have immediately boosted Texas’s weakest offensive position.

More importantly, Ozuna has a strong track record of power hitting. In 2023 and 2024, he averaged nearly 40 home runs and over 100 RBIs per season, hitting for an OPS north of .900. Even if age slightly diminishes his peak production, he remains a dangerous bat capable of influencing games with one swing.

Fit With the Rangers’ Roster and Plans

The Rangers already have foundational hitters like Corey Seager, Marcus Semien, Evan Carter, and Josh Jung. However, the lineup has lacked a right-handed middle-of-the-order threat capable of protecting these core bats. Ozuna’s addition would help balance the lineup, force opposing pitchers to navigate a deeper order, and add valuable experience alongside younger stars.

Financially, a short-term contract for Ozuna, who is entering his age-35 season, aligns well with Texas’s strategy. Rather than committing a large sum to a long-term free agent, the Rangers can potentially secure a productive veteran bat without compromising payroll flexibility.

Conclusion

For a Texas club eager to reclaim its position among the league’s contenders, signing Ozuna offers a low-risk, high-reward option to bolster an offense that has underperformed in recent seasons. His combination of power, experience, and clutch potential could be just what the Rangers need to push back into playoff relevance.