2026 MLB First-Half Recap: Texas Rangers

The Pitching

The Good

Even though the Rangers were missing some players at times over the first three and a half months (more on that later), the club’s offense was fairly productive.

Brandon Nimmo, acquired for Marcus Semien, came up with clutch hits and led the club in extra-base hits (34) over the first half. Not too bad of an adjustment period for Nimmo, now in right field after spending time in left over his last few years in New York.

Josh Jung is having, arguably, his best season since 2023. Jung slashed .298/.367/.432 with 33 extra-base hits and nine home runs.

The Rangers saw Jake Burger belt 16 home runs, looking more like the hitter from 2024. Who also looks like his 2024 form is Joc Pederson, who really went through it last year. But before the break, Pederson had 15 home runs.

As for the pitching staff, Jacob Latz started the year competing for a rotation. As of mid-July, Latz is now the unquestioned closer for the club. Latz, who was among the league leaders in several categories among relievers, notched 18 saves before the break. It took a while but the Rangers look to finally have their closer.

Moving to the rotation, Nathan Eovaldi conceded 19 home runs over the first half, a good explanation why he had an ERA over 4.00. But on the other hand, he can still get hitters to look silly at times.

Yet again, Jacob deGrom was masterful over the first half. deGrom struck out 122 batters over 100.2 IP for the Rangers, leading a rotation with its highs and lows.

The Bad

The Rangers didn’t have Wyatt Langford or Corey Seager available for the vast majority of the first half.

Langford played 44 games and hit well when on the field. The third-year player slashed .275/.325/.494 with 19 extra-base hits, nine of which were home runs. As for Seager, his numbers looked a little different. Seager slashed .182/.292/.374 with 10 home runs and 16 total extra-base hits over 50 contests.

Evan Carter slashed .188/.303/.332 with seven home runs and 16 extra-base hits over 78 contests.

As for the pitching staff, the Rangers are still waiting for the breakouts of Kumar Rocker and Jack Leiter. Rocker pitched fine overall, although he got in trouble with runners on. Leiter did more than Rocker. The 2021 first-rounder posted a 5.29 ERA over the first half.

Looking Ahead

The AL West is up for grabs, and for right now, the Rangers have been the club trying to claim it.

However, the Rangers will have to stave off the Mariners and Astros to win the division title. It would certainly help to have a healthy Corey Seager, especially if he can find his stroke.