The Rangers’ front office is going to have to make some tough decisions this offseason when it comes free agents. Ownership along with President of Baseball Operations, Chris Young, should be judicious when deciding who they want to keep for 2026 and possibly beyond and who they can say good-bye to moving forward.

The team has indicated that it will be looking to cut the payroll after missing out on the playoffs the past two seasons, and it will likely effect their decision-making process.

3 free agents the Rangers should try to re-sign

Shawn Armstrong, RHP

Armstrong was easily the team’s most dependable arm out of the bullpen in 2025 and deserves to be rewarded with a deal if it is for the right price. In 71 appearances, Armstrong shined in relief with a 2.31 ERA and tied for the most saves with nine. He is coming off a one-year, $1.2 million deal and could be had a reasonable price for 2026.

Tyler Mahle, RHP

Mahle was the feel-good story of the first two months of the season after returning from Tommy John surgery that shelved the right hander in 2024. He shot out of the gate to start the season before another injury kept him out for most of the second half. While on the mound, however, Mahle was 6-5 with a 2.45 ERA over 19 starts. Mahle should be considered one of the team’s top priorities.

Rowdy Tellez, 1B/DH

A cast off from the Seattle Mariners organization, the stout slugger signed with the Rangers mid season and did some good things while getting consistent playing time down the stretch. In 50 games, Tellez hit six homers and drove in 22 runs while playing a solid first base and filling the DH role. The Rangers could bring Tellez back for a good price should they choose to.

3 Ranger free agents that the Rangers should send packing

Merrill Kelly, RHP

Kelly was seen as the bell cow acquisition at the trade deadline, but his results were a mixed bag as a starting pitcher. Even more disappointing was his performance in September when he could have shown that he was worth going out and getting as the Rangers made a late season playoff push.

In his final three starts, Kelly gave up 12 earned runs in just 13 innings pitched. In one of the biggest games of the year against the Astros when the Rangers had to have a win, he had his worst start of the season allowing six earned runs on nine hits in just 3 innings. He will likely require more than the club will want to spend. Plus, with a rotation that will include Jacob deGrom, Nathan Eovaldi, Jack Leiter and potentially Mahle, Kelly isn’t a priority.

Dylan Moore, OF

Like Tellez, Moore was sent packing by the Mariners and was signed by the Rangers in late August. He went 7-27 with a two home runs and six RBI, but the career .201 hitter will likely get squeezed out in what will be a crowded outfield pool in 2026.

He’s affordable, but with guys like Cory Freeman, Alejandro Osuna, and Mike Helman all vying for that fourth outfielder utility spot, Moore’s days in Arlington are probably numbered.

Hoby Milner, LHP

Like most of the Ranges’ relievers this season, Milner had his share of ups and downs. The sidewinding lefty was on of Bruce Bochy’s favorite change-of-pace pitchers out of the bullpen, but with an 12.91 ERA in September when it mattered most, he left a sour taste in the mouth of Ranger management and coming off a one-year, $2.5 million deal, he is way too expensive to keep around moving forward.