Texas Rangers' reluctance to add more bats could come back to haunt them

World Series – Arizona Diamondbacks v Texas Rangers – Game Two | Sam Hodde/GettyImages

Texas Rangers president of baseball operations Chris Young recently said the Rangers “feel pretty good” about their position players heading into 2026 and that “pitching is the main focus,” according to the Dallas Morning News’ Shawn McFarland.

The Rangers should definitely add another starting pitcher, which they appear to plan to do. But they also should add another position player or two.

Texas Rangers could regret focusing on pitching over further improving offense

Doesn't surprise me': Rangers GM Chris Young's path to the World Series began with the Pirates | Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

While the Rangers have made offensive improvements this offseason by trading second baseman Marcus Semien for outfielder Brandon Nimmo, who has posted an OPS+ above 100 in each of the past nine seasons, and signing catcher Danny Jansen, who posted a 101 OPS+ in 98 games last year, to a two-year, $14.5 million contract, their decision to focus on pitching rather than adding more position players could come back to haunt them.

Now, Young still may add another bat later in the offseason if there is an affordable one available on the free-agent market, but being confident in their current offense is a mistake. Texas can likely count on Nimmo, Corey Seager and Wyatt Langford to be above-average, or even elite, hitters next season, but the rest of the lineup features a lot of question marks. Josh Jung has failed to perform to the level he did in 2023 over the past two seasons (although injuries may be a key reason as to why), Jake Burger has disappointed since the Rangers acquired him from the Miami Marlins last offseason, Evan Carter cannot seem to stay healthy and Joc Pederson struggled mightily last year.

Adding an established corner infielder or designated hitter would likely significantly improve Texas’ offense. Bo Bichette would be a good fit, but there is almost no way the Rangers sign him, considering their limited budget this offseason.

Rangers should target free agents Rhys Hoskins, Willi Castro to improve lineup

A couple of position players the Rangers should consider targeting are first baseman Rhys Hoskins and utilityman Willi Castro. Hoskins, who hit .237/.332/.416 with 12 homers and 43 RBI in 90 games with the Milwaukee Brewers last season, would have a better chance at making the offense better, while Castro would give the team more defensive versatility. Castro struggled mightily at the plate after being acquired by the Chicago Cubs last offseason, but he had a solid .265/.356/.435 slash line with nine homers and 24 RBI for the Minnesota Twins before the All-Star break.