Imagine a baseball powerhouse loaded with elite talent, yet once again sidelined from the postseason excitement—this was the heartbreaking reality for Texas Rangers fans in 2025. Despite boasting one of the league's top pitching staffs, the team couldn't overcome glaring weaknesses in their offense, leading to another playoff miss. But here's where it gets controversial: Is this a case of mismanaged expectations, or a sign that even the best arms can't carry a team without consistent bats? Let's dive into the details and uncover what really went down, and maybe even explore some overlooked angles that could change how you view this season.
For the second consecutive year, the Texas Rangers found themselves on the outside looking in when it came to the MLB playoffs in 2025. Their pitching department was a standout, anchored by a formidable rotation featuring stars like Jacob deGrom and Nathan Eovaldi, who ranked among the very best in baseball. In contrast, the team's offensive output left much to be desired, riddled with inconsistencies that prevented them from capitalizing on their pitching prowess.
To put it simply for those new to the game, baseball stats can tell a compelling story. Let's break down the Rangers' offensive performance with some key numbers. They scored 684 runs, which placed them 22nd in the league—meaning they struggled to get on the scoreboard as much as top teams. Home runs totaled 175, good for 18th place, and their On-base Plus Slugging (OPS)—a handy metric that combines a hitter's ability to reach base and hit for power—was .686, ranking a lowly 26th. On the positive side, their Whiff% (the percentage of swings that missed the ball, indicating strikeouts) was 24.9%, putting them 11th, and Hard Hit% (balls hit at 95 mph or harder) was 40.2%, which landed at 20th. These figures reveal a team that could occasionally make contact but couldn't consistently drive the ball or create opportunities.
Now, shifting gears to the pitching side of things, where the Rangers truly shone. Their starters posted an impressive ERA (Earned Run Average, which measures runs allowed per nine innings) of 3.41, claiming the top spot league-wide. The relievers weren't far behind, with a 3.62 ERA good for 5th in MLB. They racked up 1,344 strikeouts, ranking 19th, while their Whiff% stood at 25.7% (11th) and Chase% (the percentage of pitches outside the strike zone that batters swung at) was 28.7%, securing 8th place. This shows a staff that excelled at keeping opposing hitters off-balance and piling up outs.
The bright spots for Texas revolved around their exceptional starting pitchers, who formed a dominant force. Credit goes to the return of Jacob deGrom, who had been sidelined almost entirely in 2024 due to Tommy John surgery—limited to just three brief MLB appearances in September. Before his 2023 procedure, deGrom was reminiscent of his prime years in 2021 and 2022: unleashing a scorching fastball and a devastating slider that formed the backbone of his pitch mix.
In 2025, however, deGrom evolved into a more versatile version of himself. While he still relied on his fastball and slider for 84% of his pitches, he toned down his heater to an average of 97.5 mph (compared to 99.2 mph four years prior). To keep hitters guessing, he incorporated more changeups and even dusted off his curveball against left-handed bats. The payoff? He ranked in the top 10 for opponents' weighted On-base Average (wOBA, a stat that adjusts for walks and extra-base hits) in the first half, fanned 185 batters over 172 innings, and clinched the AL Comeback Player of the Year award—a testament to his resilience.
DeGrom wasn't flying solo; Nathan Eovaldi proved to be another cornerstone. Had he met the innings requirement for qualification, he would have topped Paul Skenes and led all of MLB in opponents' wOBA (.240) and ERA (1.73). Eovaldi notched 129 strikeouts across 130 innings, despite battling elbow inflammation and a rotator cuff strain that sidelined him at times. At 35, this veteran is a master of pitch feel, blending a fastball with reduced velocity, a sharp cutter, and one of the game's premier splitters to baffle hitters.
Beyond these aces, Tyler Mahle delivered a strong first half, recording 56 strikeouts in 77 innings with one of the league's top 20 wOBA marks and allowing just four home runs. But like Eovaldi, injuries plagued him, impacting his consistency. The rotation was further bolstered by Jack Leiter stepping into a regular role, and Patrick Corbin, who inked a late-spring deal and leaned on his cutter (a pitch he refined in Washington), logging 155.1 innings—second most on the team.
On the offensive front, nine Rangers players cleared double-digit home runs, with Corey Seager leading the clubhouse at 21. Seager, along with many teammates, dealt with time on the injured list, including a stint to recover from an appendectomy that kept him out for the season's final weeks. Rookie sensation Wyatt Langford, in his sophomore MLB campaign, smashed 22 homers and swiped 22 bases, showcasing his dual-threat potential. And this is the part most people miss—the Rangers had players like Michael Helman and Josh Smith stirring up chaos with a hot September stretch that nearly clawed them into the playoffs.
Yet, for all the highlights, the Rangers' offense grappled with a glaring lack of reliability. Seven key regulars posted OPS figures under .700, indicating struggles in getting on base or hitting with authority. Adolis Garcia, known for chasing pitches out of the strike zone, smacked 19 homers but struck out 135 times in 135 games—far from alone in underperforming. Jake Burger, in his debut season, hit .236/.269/.419 over 103 contests, while Joc Pederson, after a stellar platoon role in Arizona, slumped to .181/.285/.328 in 96 games. You get the picture: inconsistency bred frustration.
Even in pitching, not everything was perfect. Kumar Rocker stood out as the rotation's weak link, surrendering 11 home runs in 64.1 innings while shuttling between Texas, the minor leagues, and the IL. But the bullpen? Solid overall. Shawn Armstrong, acquired in December 2024, emerged as a steal, fanning 74 in 74 innings with the third-best wOBA (.224) among relievers with at least 30 appearances. He shared closer duties with a rotating cast, including Robert Garcia, Phil Maton, and Luke Jackson, filling the void left by Kirby Yates, who bolted to the Dodgers after a dominant 2024 in Texas.
Looking ahead to 2026, here's an early projected lineup that could shake things up: Catcher Kyle Higashioka, 1B Jake Burger, 2B Josh Smith, 3B Josh Jung, SS Corey Seager, OF Brandon Nimmo (LF), Evan Carter (CF), Wyatt Langford (RF), DH Joc Pederson or Ezequiel Duran. The starting pitchers might feature Jacob deGrom, Nathan Eovaldi, Jack Leiter, Kumar Rocker, and Jacob Latz, with relievers like Robert Garcia, Michel Otanez, Cole Winn, Jose Corniell, Luis Curvelo, and Dom Hamel in the mix—some fresh faces from promotions or additions.
The Rangers, akin to their division rival Seattle, have been buzzing with offseason activity in November. They non-tendered several 2025 contributors, including Jonah Heim and Adolis Garcia, and traded Marcus Semien to the Mets for Brandon Nimmo right before Thanksgiving. Nimmo brings power and the ability to draw walks, potentially sparking lineup creativity under new manager Skip Schumaker. But here's where it gets controversial: With so much change already, how much more upheaval will there be, especially on offense? Some argue this rebuild is overdue, while others wonder if it's just shuffling deck chairs on a sinking ship. And what about the bullpen, with its blend of unknowns and hard-throwers like Jose Corniell and Emiliano Teodo—could they become the next big thing, or is Texas over-relying on unproven talent?
As we wrap up, one has to ponder: Was 2025's playoff miss a fluke of injuries and inconsistency, or a deeper flaw in team strategy? Do you think trading Semien for Nimmo will finally ignite the offense, or is it just window dressing? Share your takes in the comments—agree, disagree, or offer your own controversial spin. Let's keep the conversation going!
