The Texas Rangers have made it clear this offseason: they’re not just looking for arms – they’re also hunting for balance in their lineup. With a roster that leans heavily to the left at the plate – Corey Seager, Brandon Nimmo, Evan Carter, Joc Pederson, and Josh Smith all swing from that side – adding a right-handed bat isn’t just a luxury, it’s a necessity. Especially when you’re staring down a season full of lefty starters trying to exploit that imbalance.
Now, don’t expect the Rangers to make a splashy move for a marquee name like Alex Bregman or Bo Bichette. That’s not the lane they’re shopping in this winter.
But there are still quality, right-handed options on the market who can provide solid value without wrecking the budget. Two names that fit the bill?
Tommy Pham and Austin Hays.
Tommy Pham: Veteran Edge, Affordable Fit
Tommy Pham might be turning 38 in March, but he’s still got something left in the tank – and perhaps more importantly, he brings a veteran presence that can steady a clubhouse. After all, this is a guy who’s been through the highs and lows of a long MLB career, and that kind of experience can be invaluable over a 162-game grind.
Last season with the Pirates, Pham played in 120 games and put up a .245/.330/.370 slash line with 10 home runs and 52 RBIs. Those numbers don’t jump off the page, but dig a little deeper and there’s reason for optimism.
Over the final three months of the season, Pham caught fire – hitting .278/.363/.468 with 10 homers, 13 doubles, and a triple in that stretch. That late-season surge suggests he’s still got the bat speed and approach to contribute in the right role.
Defensively, he held his own in left field, logging +5 Defensive Runs Saved, though he did post a -2 Outs Above Average. Still, for a team like Texas that’s trying to stretch every dollar this offseason, Pham makes a lot of sense on a one-year deal.
He’s not going to carry the offense, but he doesn’t need to. He just needs to give them quality at-bats against lefties and hold down a corner outfield spot when called upon.
Of course, there’s also the matter of clubhouse chemistry – specifically, whether Pham and Joc Pederson have moved past their infamous fantasy football dust-up. But if bygones can be bygones, Pham could be a savvy addition.
Austin Hays: Right-Handed Pop with Upside
If the Rangers are looking for a bit more upside – and are willing to spend slightly more – Austin Hays could be a strong fit. At 30 years old, Hays is still in his prime and coming off a quietly productive season.
He slashed .266/.315/.453 with 15 homers and 64 RBIs, good for a 105 OPS+. He’s not a star, but he’s a solid contributor who brings consistent right-handed production.
What really makes Hays stand out is how he handled left-handed pitching last season. In 91 at-bats against southpaws, he hit a scorching .319/.400/.549.
That’s the kind of split that should make Rangers fans – and the front office – take notice. In a lineup stacked with lefties, Hays could slot in as a reliable weapon against opposing left-handed starters and relievers, giving manager Bruce Bochy more flexibility when setting his daily lineup.
Defensively, Hays is an average outfielder with a strong arm, capable of holding his own in left field. He might not be quite as cheap as Pham, but he’s also younger and potentially more impactful over the course of the season.
The Bottom Line
The Rangers don’t need a blockbuster move to round out their lineup – they need the right fit. With their left-handed-heavy batting order, adding a right-handed hitter who can handle lefties and provide reliable defense in the outfield is a smart, targeted move. Both Tommy Pham and Austin Hays check those boxes in different ways.
Pham brings experience, leadership, and a strong finish to 2025. Hays offers youth, upside, and elite splits against lefties. Either could help Texas balance its lineup and give them another edge as they look to stay competitive in a tough AL West.
