In the coming weeks, the Texas Rangers will face a crucial decision that could shape the future of the franchise.
Since reaching their peak by winning their first-ever World Series title in 2023, the team has mostly dealt with disappointment. Last season, injuries were the primary culprit. Numerous key players across the roster spent significant time sidelined, preventing the Rangers from building enough momentum to return to the playoffs. However, after a busy offseason filled with important acquisitions and time for injured stars to recover, Texas entered the new season as a strong contender once again.
That expectation hasn’t materialized. Now, as the All-Star break approaches, the Rangers’ front office must consider whether to become sellers. Unless the team can ignite a hot streak that firmly places them in the Wild Card race before the July 31 trade deadline, focusing on acquiring pieces for future success seems like the smartest path.
With an aging roster, replenishing talent to extend their championship window is essential.
Offensively, Texas appears to have two cornerstone players in Wyatt Langford and Evan Carter, alongside current star Corey Seager and several highly regarded prospects expected to join in the coming years.
On the pitching side, the outlook was less promising at the season’s start. Kumar Rocker and Jack Leiter are viewed as the franchise’s future aces, but both have had their share of struggles early in their careers.
Rocker’s early-season performance was particularly concerning. After five starts, he posted an 8.10 ERA, striking out only 16 batters in 20 innings while surrendering 30 hits and 18 earned runs. Following a stint on the injured list for a right shoulder impingement beginning April 24, he returned on June 4 but gave up five earned runs in just over three innings, leading to a demotion to Triple-A Round Rock.
This raised questions about what version of Rocker the Rangers could expect moving forward and cast doubt on the future of their rotation, given the struggles of their former third overall pick.
However, since his recall on June 15, Rocker has shown flashes of the high potential that made him a top prospect. In four starts since returning, he has posted a 2.49 ERA, allowing two or fewer runs each time. He has struck out 20 batters in 21 2/3 innings, issuing seven walks.
During his time in Triple-A, Rocker worked on expanding his pitch selection, which has helped him become less predictable and more effective with five distinct pitches.
While the 25-year-old may still face some challenges this season, his recent performance as a legitimate top-of-the-rotation starter is encouraging and paints a brighter picture for Texas’s pitching future.
