IMAGE: Texas Rangers pitcher Josh Sborz poses for a photo during Media Day at Surprise Stadium. / Joe Camporeale / Imagn Images
As the calendar flips to 2026, the Texas Rangers find themselves in an interesting spot. They’re still riding the high of their first World Series title, but there’s work to be done if they plan to defend that crown – and the clock is ticking with spring training set to open in Surprise, Arizona, on February 20.

The roster isn’t quite complete, and the needs are clear: a reliable closer, another starting pitcher, and maybe – if the budget allows – a corner infielder with some pop and a proven track record. While the Rangers aren’t expected to go on a spending spree, there are still some intriguing free agents on the board who could provide real value without breaking the bank. Let’s break down three players who fit the bill and could help shore up some of Texas’ most pressing needs.

Josh Sborz – RHP

If there’s one name that still resonates in Arlington, it’s Josh Sborz. He was the man on the mound when the Rangers clinched their first-ever World Series title, shutting the door on the Arizona Diamondbacks and etching his name into franchise history.

And now? He’s available.

Sborz was non-tendered after the 2025 season, largely due to a shoulder injury that sidelined him for most of the year. That uncertainty likely scared off some suitors, but for the Rangers, who know exactly what he brings when healthy, there’s a compelling case for a reunion.

Texas needs a closer. That much is obvious.

The bullpen was a roller coaster last season, and while there are some internal options, none bring the postseason pedigree or late-inning experience Sborz offers. If his rehab has gone well – and that’s a big “if” – he could be a low-risk, high-reward signing who brings stability to the back end of the bullpen.

Luis Arraez – 1B/INF

Sometimes, the best way to fix an offense is to add a guy who just flat-out hits. Luis Arraez is exactly that.

The 28-year-old Venezuelan is a three-time batting champ and one of the purest contact hitters in the game. In an era where strikeouts are up and batting averages are down, Arraez is a throwback – a high-contact, low-strikeout machine who sprays the ball all over the field. His career .363 on-base percentage speaks for itself.

For a Rangers lineup that leaned heavily on power and often lived or died by the long ball in 2025, Arraez would bring a much-needed element of consistency. Picture him setting the table in front of Corey Seager and Wyatt Langford – that’s a recipe for more traffic on the basepaths and more runs on the board.

He’s coming off a one-year, $14 million deal with San Diego and likely won’t command a long-term commitment. A short-term “prove it” deal could make sense for both sides, especially if Arraez is looking to reset his market and Texas is looking to add a reliable bat without tying up future payroll.

Luis Rengifo – INF/UTIL

Versatility isn’t just a luxury – it’s a necessity over a 162-game grind. And Luis Rengifo brings it in spades.

Since breaking into the league with the Angels in 2019, Rengifo has carved out a role as a do-it-all infielder who can bounce around the diamond and even handle some outfield duties when needed. Think of him as a Swiss Army knife – the kind of player who may not make headlines but becomes indispensable over the course of a season.

With Marcus Semien no longer in the fold, there’s a chance Josh Smith slides into a more permanent role at second base. If that happens, the Rangers will need someone who can back up multiple spots and provide insurance across the infield. Rengifo fits that mold.

He’d join a group of utility candidates that includes Cody Freeman, Mike Helman, and Sam Haggerty, but he brings more MLB experience than most of that bunch. And after earning $5.95 million last season, he’s well within Texas’ budget range. There have been whispers about the A’s making a move for him, but if the Rangers want to bolster their depth with a proven, flexible piece, Rengifo is a name to watch.

Final Thoughts

The Rangers don’t need to make a splashy move to stay competitive – they need smart, targeted additions that complement the core already in place. Whether it’s bringing back a familiar face like Sborz, injecting some contact and OBP with Arraez, or adding a utility man like Rengifo to round out the bench, Texas has options.

The front office has been quiet so far this offseason, but with spring training on the horizon, expect things to pick up. And if the Rangers can check off a few of these boxes, they’ll be in a much better position to defend their title come Opening Day.