{"id":149714,"date":"2026-02-06T16:26:39","date_gmt":"2026-02-06T16:26:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=149714"},"modified":"2026-02-06T16:26:39","modified_gmt":"2026-02-06T16:26:39","slug":"rangers-target-three-crucial-fixes-before-spring-training-opens-the-high-priority-moves-that-could-decide-texas-2026-season-are-already-in-motion","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=149714","title":{"rendered":"RANGERS TARGET THREE CRUCIAL FIXES BEFORE SPRING TRAINING OPENS \u2014 The High-Priority Moves That Could Decide Texas\u2019 2026 Season Are Already in Motion"},"content":{"rendered":"

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IMAGE: Imagn Images<\/div>\n
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After a rollercoaster season that ended in a dead-even 81-81 record, the Texas Rangers find themselves at a crossroads. The postseason slipped through their fingers for the second straight year, and with spring training just around the corner, there\u2019s no time to dwell on what went wrong. This is a team with talent, but also one with clear areas to address-both on the field and in the clubhouse-as they prepare to turn the page under new manager Skip Schumaker.<\/p>\n

Here are three key priorities the Rangers need to lock in on during spring training if they want to get back into the playoff mix:<\/p>\n

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1. Generate Offense Without Relying on the Long Ball<\/strong><\/p>\n

Let\u2019s call it what it was: the Rangers’ offense last season was frustratingly inconsistent. When the home runs weren\u2019t flying, the runs weren\u2019t coming. And in today\u2019s game, where pitching is dominant and ballparks aren\u2019t always hitter-friendly, you\u2019ve got to find ways to manufacture runs.<\/p>\n

Texas struggled mightily with runners in scoring position, and that\u2019s not just a stat-it\u2019s a symptom. Too often, the lineup leaned into a boom-or-bust approach, swinging for the fences instead of focusing on situational hitting. That means too many strikeouts, too many empty trips to the plate, and not enough productive outs.<\/p>\n

This spring, the Rangers need to reestablish the fundamentals. Moving runners over, executing sac flies, working deep counts-these aren\u2019t flashy plays, but they win games.<\/p>\n

With the power still in the lineup, the goal isn’t to eliminate the home run threat, but to stop relying on it as the only way to score. If they can start cashing in those runners on second and third with less than two outs, they\u2019ll look like a much more complete offensive unit.<\/p>\n

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2. Build a Unified Culture Under Skip Schumaker<\/strong><\/p>\n

While the on-field issues were obvious, there were also whispers of something deeper-fractures in the clubhouse. Whether it was personality clashes or a lack of cohesion, the Rangers didn\u2019t always look like a team pulling in the same direction. That has to change, and it starts with new leadership.<\/p>\n

Enter Skip Schumaker.<\/p>\n

Schumaker\u2019s arrival marks a fresh start, and spring training in Surprise, Arizona, is the perfect setting to lay the foundation. The 2023 World Series team thrived on chemistry and selflessness.<\/p>\n

Everyone knew their role, and egos took a back seat to the team\u2019s bigger goals. That\u2019s the blueprint Schumaker needs to recreate.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s not just about rah-rah speeches or team-building exercises-it\u2019s about accountability, communication, and trust. Schumaker will need to set the tone early, but the players have to buy in.<\/p>\n

This is where veterans need to lead by example, and younger guys need to embrace the team-first mentality. If the Rangers can get everyone rowing in the same direction, the talent on this roster will have a chance to shine.<\/p>\n

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3. Identify a Real Closer-Not Just a Committee<\/strong><\/p>\n

One of the biggest thorns in the Rangers\u2019 side last season? The ninth inning. Or more accurately, the uncertainty of who would be on the mound to finish the job.<\/p>\n

For most of 2025, it felt like a nightly guessing game. Luke Jackson, Robert Garcia, Chris Martin-multiple arms were shuffled in and out of the closer role. Eventually, Shawn Armstrong stepped up late in the season and looked like a potential answer, but the fact that the role was still in flux that deep into the year says it all.<\/p>\n

Despite the need, the front office opted not to bring in a proven closer this offseason, so the job is still wide open. That makes spring training even more important.<\/p>\n

The Rangers can\u2019t afford to enter April without clarity at the back end of the bullpen. Whether it\u2019s Armstrong proving he can handle the role full-time, or someone else emerging from camp, the team needs a defined plan-and fast.<\/p>\n

With one of the best starting rotations in baseball, Texas should be able to hand over leads more often than not. But if the bullpen can\u2019t lock things down, it won\u2019t matter how good the starters are. The closer role isn\u2019t just a luxury-it\u2019s a necessity.<\/p>\n

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The Bottom Line<\/strong><\/p>\n

Spring training isn\u2019t just about shaking off the rust. For the Rangers, it\u2019s about reshaping their identity-offensively, culturally, and in the bullpen. There\u2019s no shortage of talent on this roster, but talent alone won\u2019t get them back to October baseball.<\/p>\n

If they can become a more versatile offense, build a connected clubhouse under Schumaker, and find someone who can slam the door in the ninth, they won\u2019t be sitting at .500 again this fall. They\u2019ll be right back in the thick of the postseason hunt.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

IMAGE: Imagn Images After a rollercoaster season that ended in a dead-even 81-81 record, the Texas Rangers find themselves at a crossroads. 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