As spring training kicks off in Surprise, Arizona, the Rangers find themselves in a position most teams would envy: too many arms, not enough spots. It’s a good problem to have, especially when the focus heading into 2026 is squarely on the rotation.
The top four starters are locked in, but the question on everyone’s mind is who claims that fifth and final spot. Two names are front and center – Jacob Latz and Kumar Rocker – and both bring very different strengths to the table.
Jacob Latz: The Reliable Swiss Army Knife
Latz isn’t just a fill-in guy anymore. He quietly carved out a strong 2025 campaign, posting a 2.84 ERA while bouncing between the bullpen and spot starts.
He’s a lefty with a deceptive change-up and a fastball that can sneak up on hitters in the low-to-mid 90s. He’s not flashy, but he’s effective – the kind of pitcher who can give you four to six solid innings without blinking.
That kind of versatility is gold in today’s game, especially when you’re managing a staff with a few injury question marks.
Kumar Rocker: The High-Ceiling Wild Card
On the flip side, Rocker is still the tantalizing talent he was when the Rangers drafted him out of Vanderbilt. Big frame, big stuff, and big upside.
But the consistency hasn’t quite caught up with the potential just yet. He’s shown flashes of dominance, but also innings that drag on with high pitch counts and early exits.
The tools are there – electric fastball, nasty slider – but he’s still learning how to harness them over a full outing at the big-league level.
A Two-Pronged Approach That Makes Sense
Rather than force a decision between Latz and Rocker, the Rangers may not have to choose at all. With Nathan Eovaldi returning from a season-ending injury in 2025, he’s likely to be on a pitch count to start the year – think 75 to 85 pitches per outing. That means his starts will probably wrap around the fifth or sixth inning, opening the door for a long reliever to step in and bridge the gap.
Enter Latz.
Instead of slotting him into the rotation every fifth day, the smarter play might be to use him twice a week in long relief – once behind Eovaldi, once behind Rocker. That strategy would maximize Latz’s value, keep him in a rhythm, and allow the Rangers to manage both Eovaldi’s workload and Rocker’s development without overextending anyone.
It’s a creative solution that checks a lot of boxes. Eovaldi gets to ease back into form.
Rocker gets the support he needs as he continues to build stamina and sharpen his approach. And Latz gets to do what he does best – provide quality innings in a flexible role.
Options Down the Line
Of course, this plan doesn’t have to be permanent. If Rocker finds his groove and starts going deeper into games, or if someone like Cody Bradford returns and pitches his way into the conversation come May, the Rangers can pivot. They’re not locked into any one path – and that’s the beauty of having depth.
Let’s not forget: Jacob deGrom and Eovaldi, as dominant as they can be, are both on the wrong side of 30 and have dealt with injuries. Having a guy like Latz ready to step in – or a young arm like Rocker pushing for more responsibility – is exactly the kind of insurance a contending team needs over a 162-game grind.
Bottom line: the Rangers don’t need to rush a decision. They’ve got a strong hand, and they’re playing it well. If they manage this right, the fifth starter “debate” could end up being one of the team’s biggest advantages in 2026.
