The Texas Rangers head into the offseason with a few clear needs on their roster, and free agency offers the most direct path to addressing them. While the front office is keeping things close to the vest, a recent projection has linked the club to three notable names-each of whom could fill a specific gap and bring veteran value to a team still looking to stay competitive in a loaded American League.
Let’s break down the potential fits.
Eugenio Suárez – Power Bat with Positional Flexibility
On the surface, third base isn’t exactly a pressing concern for Texas. Josh Jung has that spot locked down and has shown he can be a cornerstone piece. But adding Eugenio Suárez could still make a lot of sense-especially if the Rangers are looking to add some thump to the middle of the lineup.
Suárez, who turns 35 next season, isn’t the glove-first option at third, but that’s not what Texas would be signing him for. He could slot in as a designated hitter and even share some time at first base, a position he just started playing this past season. Think of him more as a bat-for-hire than a positional fix.
Despite a midseason trade to Seattle and some regression at the plate, Suárez still put together a strong campaign: 3.6 bWAR, 126 OPS+, and 49 home runs. That’s serious pop. And for a Rangers team that could use a bit more offensive firepower-especially in the DH spot-Suárez could be a short-term solution with long-ball upside.
Justin Verlander – Veteran Presence for the Rotation
Now this one would raise some eyebrows: Justin Verlander in a Rangers uniform. But it wouldn’t be the first time Texas brought in a future Hall of Famer who once wore Astros orange (Nolan Ryan, anyone?). Verlander is entering his 21st MLB season, but don’t let the age fool you-he’s still got something left in the tank.
After a rocky start to 2025, Verlander found his rhythm with the San Francisco Giants, finishing with a 3.85 ERA and matching FIP over 29 starts. His strikeout rate sat at 20.7%, and while he’s no longer the overpowering ace he once was, he’s adapted-leaning more on command and sequencing.
For the Rangers, Verlander wouldn’t need to be the No. 1 guy. He’d be a steady, experienced arm in the back half of the rotation, someone who can eat innings, mentor younger pitchers, and still give you a chance to win every fifth day. That’s a valuable piece for a team trying to balance youth and experience.
Brad Keller – Bullpen Reinforcement with a Power Arsenal
If there’s one area that clearly needs attention, it’s the bullpen. The Rangers had their struggles there in 2025, and adding Brad Keller could be a savvy first move in rebuilding that unit.
Keller, 30, reinvented himself this past season after a rocky run as a starter with the Royals and brief stints with the Red Sox and White Sox. It was with the Cubs that he found his groove, emerging as one of the most effective relievers in the National League.
His numbers speak for themselves: a 2.07 ERA, 27.2% strikeout rate, and just an 8.0% walk rate over nearly 70 innings. That’s elite-level production.
And his five-pitch mix is part of what makes him so tough to square up. He leans on a high-90s four-seamer, a biting slider, a heavy sinker, a sweeping breaking ball, and a changeup that keeps hitters honest.
It’s a deep arsenal for a reliever, and it gives him multiple ways to attack hitters late in games.
For Texas, Keller could step right into a high-leverage role-possibly even as a setup man or closer, depending on how the rest of the bullpen shakes out.
Final Thoughts
None of these moves would be headline-grabbing blockbusters, but that’s not the point. The Rangers aren’t looking to overhaul the roster-they’re looking to fine-tune it. Suárez brings power and flexibility, Verlander brings poise and experience, and Keller brings velocity and swing-and-miss stuff to a bullpen that badly needs it.
If Texas can land even one or two of these guys, it could go a long way toward keeping them in the playoff picture next season. The pieces are there. Now it’s about filling in the gaps with the right veterans-and these three names fit that mold.
