Sep 24, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Texas Rangers designated hitter Joc Pederson (4) walks to the on deck circle during the first inning against the Minnesota Twins at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
As we draw ever closer to Spring Training kicking off, what is the Rangers greatest need for 2026 still remaining?
The offense was not great in 2025, but the pitching was. Staff and coaches have moved on to other teams, so that is going to be different.
My feeling is that the Rangers will be ok at rotation, the hitting should be better, and the bullpen is shaping up to be pretty good.
Losing in the End
The Rangers lost more than 30 games in 2025 after the 7th inning. It’s hard to make the post season when almost 20% of your possible wins are turned into losses late.
The one thing the Rangers did not have in 2025 that I believe they desperately need for 2026 is a true closer.
As the team showed in 2025, it doesn’t really matter how good your starters are if your late innings guys can’t hold that lead.
There is no need to go and sign a $150 million closer, but they need someone. A player with the talent and experience to close games.
The Texas Rangers blew 28 saves in 2025, and they had a save percentage of just 57%. For the team to get back to the post season, that needs to change.
At this point there are not a lot of closer options on the market, but the Rangers still need to try and solidify that position.
Offense Needs to Produce
The Rangers proved in 2025 that you can almost be a post season team with a dreadful offense. They need to fix that in 2026.
Players like Joc Pederson, Corey Seager, Josh Jung, and Evan Carter need to stay healthy and produce. Pederson was especially bad in 2025 slashing .181/.285/.328/.614.
After 24 long balls in 2024, Pederson just launched 9 out of the park in 2025. The only other season he hit under 10 homers was 2020 (shortened season).
It’s not rocked science that if you blow 28 saves and your stars don’t produce, you probably won’t be playing in October.
We’ll keep you updated on what happens with the Ranger roster going forward, and as always don’t forget to check out the Ranger Report Podcast, wherever you get your podcasts.
* Ben Dieter is one of the hosts of The Ranger Report Podcast here on Dallas Sports Nation. You … More about The Ranger Report Tags: blown saves Closer Pitching TexasRangers
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