Three Rangers Who Need to Come Out Swinging in 2026
After a 2025 season that saw the Texas Rangers’ offense sputter and stall, there’s no sugarcoating it: things need to change, and fast. Chris Young and Skip Schumaker aren’t just hoping for a turnaround-they’re banking on it.
That process begins in Surprise, Arizona, when spring training kicks off on February 20. And while the whole roster will be under the microscope, there are a few position players who are entering camp with more pressure than most.
These are guys who’ve shown flashes-some even brilliance-but for one reason or another, 2025 didn’t go their way. If the Rangers want to get back to contending in the loaded AL West, these three bats need to heat up early and stay hot.
Josh Jung, 3B – Time to Reclaim the Corner
Josh Jung’s 2025 season was tough to watch for anyone who’s followed his rise. Once an All-Star and cornerstone of the infield, Jung struggled so significantly at the plate that he found himself demoted to the minors and benched by Bruce Bochy. That’s a long fall for a guy who not long ago looked like a franchise fixture.
What makes Jung’s struggles so frustrating is that we know what he’s capable of. When he’s locked in, he’s a force-capable of driving the ball to all fields and sparking rallies.
And defensively, he’s still a Gold Glove-caliber third baseman, which only adds to the urgency. If he can get his plate discipline back on track, he’s a two-way asset that changes the complexion of this lineup.
But after burning through the goodwill he’d built up, Jung enters 2026 with little margin for error. The leash is shorter now. He’ll need to show right away that last season was a blip-not a trend.
Evan Carter, OF – Talent’s Not the Question, Availability Is
Evan Carter’s story is still being written, but the early chapters were electric. His 2023 postseason performance was the stuff of legend in Arlington-a breakout that helped fuel the Rangers’ World Series run and made him an instant fan favorite.
But the past two seasons have been a different story. Injuries have kept Carter off the field for extended stretches, robbing him of the consistency and rhythm that young players need to develop. And when he has been in the lineup, left-handed pitching has continued to give him fits, forcing the team to sit him more often than they’d like.
The talent is still there-no one’s questioning that. Carter’s instincts, athleticism, and bat-to-ball skills are undeniable.
But availability is a skill, too, and the Rangers need him on the field regularly if he’s going to be part of the long-term core. With spring training around the corner, staying healthy and showing progress against southpaws will be key to re-establishing his role.
Joc Pederson, DH – The Clock Is Ticking
Let’s be honest: 2025 was a nightmare season for Joc Pederson. His slash line of .181/.235/.328 was historically bad for a designated hitter, and it’s no exaggeration to say it might’ve been the worst DH season in franchise history.
The only silver lining? Somehow, his bWAR was just -0.3.
It felt worse.
The Rangers didn’t have much choice but to ride it out last year-they were committed to a two-year, $37 million deal. But that leash is gone.
Ownership won’t hesitate to cut bait if Pederson doesn’t show up to Surprise in better shape and ready to contribute. This isn’t about potential anymore-it’s about production.
The good news? Pederson is still a beloved clubhouse presence, and everyone in that locker room is pulling for him to bounce back. But the numbers don’t lie, and if he doesn’t start hitting early, his time in Texas could be short-lived.
The Bottom Line
The Rangers don’t need all three of these players to become MVP candidates overnight-but they do need them to be better. Jung needs to find his swing.
Carter needs to stay on the field. Pederson needs to hit like a big-league DH.
If that happens, the offensive outlook shifts dramatically.
Spring training is almost here. The pressure’s real. And for these three, the time to turn it around is now.
