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Nov 3, 2023; Arlington, TX, USA; A view of the Texas Rangers fans and flags during the World Series championship parade at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Rangers Bullpen Turnover, Weaknesses Threatens 2026 Playoff Hopes

Originally posted on Texas Rangers on SI
By Jayesh Pagar | Last updated Jan 14, 2026 9:00 AM ET

ESPN's midwinter progress report for all 30 MLB clubs projects the Texas Rangers bullpen as baseball's worst unit heading into 2026. That distinction carries serious implications for a team hoping to return to playoff contention in a competitive American League West.

The Rangers project for just 82.7 wins with a 36.4% playoff chance, ranking 16th overall. The offense looks solid with Corey Seager, Brandon Nimmo, and Wyatt Langford leading the charge. The rotation has potential with Jacob deGrom healthy and Jack Leiter showing promise. But the relief corps remains a significant concern that could undermine those strengths.

Last season's struggles centered on late-game execution. Texas converted just 37 of 66 save opportunities, a troubling 56% success rate that ranked among baseball's worst. The bullpen posted a respectable 3.62 ERA, but blowing 29 saves turned potential wins into losses. Those failures accumulated into a disappointing season that cost the Rangers a playoff spot.

The Rangers had one of the best bullpens in baseball by ERA, but only one free agent is back from last year's unit.

President of baseball operations Chris Young addressed the weakness by adding Tyler Alexander, Alexis Díaz, Chris Martin, and Carter Baumler to the relief unit. Robert Garcia returns after sharing the team lead with nine saves in 2025, though he struggled with consistency in the closer role. Texas also claimed Zak Kent from St. Louis and signed Patrick Murphy to minor-league deals. The Rangers continue exploring additional relief options they should target before camp opens.

The additions provide depth but no guarantees. Each signing carries questions about consistency or durability. Martin brings veteran experience at age 39. Díaz has shown flashes but lacks sustained dominance. The depth pieces represent upside plays rather than proven commodities.

Young Defends Strategic Approach

Young outlined his bullpen philosophy in a January interview, emphasizing flexibility over star power. He noted that most teams either lack a dominant closer or lose one to injury mid-season, making long-term investments risky. The Rangers plan to deploy multiple arms in high-leverage situations based on matchups and performance.

That approach creates competition for late-game roles. Kent, Murphy, and other depth arms will battle for roster spots during spring training. Three options could emerge as the primary closer depending on camp performance. The strategy relies on internal competition driving improvement rather than external spending securing it.

Playoff Hopes Depend on Bullpen

The bullpen concerns weigh heavily in Texas, as the team sits 16th in MLB win projections. The rotation provides optimism with Nathan Eovaldi, deGrom, and Jack Leiter forming a capable top three. Kumar Rocker adds upside despite posting a 5.74 ERA as a rookie in 2025. The position players have talent throughout the lineup. But success requires the bullpen to significantly outperform its projection, something the unit did in 2025.

Texas needs bounce-back seasons from multiple players while getting career-best performances from new bullpen additions. Reaching 85 wins demands everything clicking simultaneously. Without substantial relief improvement, the Rangers face another season on the outside looking in at October baseball.

This article first appeared on Texas Rangers on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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