Wednesday, December 03

ARLINGTON -- The Rangers kicked off the offseason by being one of the busiest clubs this November. 

Texas has already non-tendered a trio of World Series heroes in Adolis García, Jonah Heim and Josh Sborz. They traded another when they flipped Marcus Semien for Brandon Nimmo, leaving new manager Skip Schumaker with a slightly restructured roster to work with just weeks into the offseason. 

“What we need is our group to play to the level that they're capable of,” said president of baseball operations Chris Young. “If they do do that, this team is really, really good. We have -- as a front office -- work to do in terms of completing this roster.”

Let’s take a look at the things the Rangers should keep an eye on as the baseball world heads into its annual Winter Meetings next week.

Club Needs 

The Rangers already added a bit by subtraction with the moves over the first few weeks of the offseason, but the job is far from finished. Rebuilding the bullpen again -- this time with a lockdown closer -- is going to be a priority, but there are a number of other needs on the checklist, including another catcher to pair with Kyle Higashioka behind the plate, more starting pitching depth and another impact bat if possible.

Potential Trade Candidates 

With the moves that the Rangers have made this offseason -- including parting ways with García, Heim, Semien and Sborz -- there’s not much left of value that could be moved. 

MLB.com's Mark Feinsand listed third baseman Josh Jung as a potential option. Injuries have plagued much of his big league career and though he was healthy for much of 2025, he was also optioned for the first time since his MLB debut and posted a .684 OPS in 114 games. A change of scenery could do him some good, though it’s unlikely the Rangers would actively shop him. 

Prospect to Know: SS Sebastian Walcott (Rangers No. 1, MLB No. 6) 

Sebastian Walcott was recently shut down in the Arizona Fall League due to arm fatigue, but he remains the only Rangers prospect ranked in the MLB Pipeline Top 100.

At 19 years old, Walcott hasn’t yet played above Double-A, but in his first full season with Double-A Frisco this year, Walcott slashed .255/.355/.386. The season wasn’t without its ups and downs, but he is on a good pace to the big leagues. It doesn’t hurt that the Rangers have moved on from veteran second baseman Marcus Semien, leaving a potential spot in the infield sooner rather than later, though that won’t lead to any sort of fast track. 

“I think Sebastian's in a great spot, still on track,”  said general manager Ross Fenstermaker. “We've talked about a couple different things with him, but I don't think this move has any impact on him whatsoever. …One thing we believe in is meritocracy. The best are going to find their way to playing time. This will sort itself out. Sebastian is in a good spot, and in due time, we'll make a decision there. But he's doing really well.”

Rule 5 Draft 

The Rangers added three prospects to the 40-man roster to avoid the Rule 5 Draft: right-handers David Davalillo (No. 7 prospect, per MLB Pipeline) and Leandro Lopez (No. 29), and first baseman/outfielder Abimelec Ortiz (No. 18).

Infielder Cameron Cauley (No. 17) is Texas’ highest ranked prospect left unprotected from the Draft. As one of the best defenders in the organization and a versatile infielder, he could very well be selected by another club needing position player depth. 

Since Young took over as head of baseball operations, the Rangers have only made one pick in the Major League phase of the Rule 5 Draft: Carson Coleman in 2023. Coleman was recovering from Tommy John surgery at the time and never made an appearance with the club. It would not be shocking if Texas declined to make a pick once again.

Burning Question: How will the budget/payroll situation affect what moves the Rangers make this offseason?

Young said there is a “rough idea” of the budget they have to work with. That being said, it’s not completely set just yet. Over the last five years, the Rangers have handed out big free agent contracts to important players like Corey Seager, Marcus Semien, Jacob deGrom and Nathan Eovaldi (twice). 

Big splashes likely won’t happen this offseason. 

“I think as we go here, we do have room to operate,” he said. “We're excited about what we have in place right now. It's our job as a front office to round out this roster. When there's the ability to go out and get something that's going to help us win, ownership has been very good about allowing us the ability to do that. 

“It's not going to be at the levels it was the last couple years. We know that. We're good with that. We don't need that. … We expect to have the resources we need to round out a really good roster.”

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