By james art 
The Texas Rangers are hoping to bounce back from a disappointing 2024 campaign.
It’s been a relatively quiet offseason for the Rangers in terms of free agency. After winning the World Series in 2023, Texas failed to repeat that success and finished below .500.
Injuries certainly played a big part in the team’s struggles, but missing the postseason after winning the World Series the year before was certainly disappointing.
However, there are many reasons to be optimistic about what 2025 will look like. for the franchise.
The Rangers were spending money, but they were doing it with purpose. They brought back starting pitcher Nathan Eovaldi on a three-year, $75 million deal. They signed outfielder Joc Pederson to a two-year contract worth nearly $38 million as they look to improve their hitting against right-handed pitching.
With the American League West looking wide open, the Rangers should be right in the mix. However, if they want to contend, another upgrade could be useful.
Zachary D. Bleacher Report’s Reimer recently wrote about what should be on the Rangers’ wish list before spring training. He stressed their need for more help in the fight.
“Because Rangers have a needle to thread to stay under the luxury tax, we’re probably not talking about a big outlay if something happens. With that said, maybe they could target a return candidate like Lou Trivino or Kendall Graveman.”
The Rangers lineup has to be one of the best in baseball. If Jacob deGrom can stay healthy, he headlines a starting rotation with Eovaldi that has significant depth along with talented young arms like Kumar Rocker.
But the bull was put together this winter. Texas completely overhauled it, and on the cheap, with Chris Martin, Robert Garcia, Sean Armstrong, Hobey Milner and Jacob Webb.
Texas saw its All-Star closer from last year’s signing with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Losing Kirby Yates is a major blow to the bullpen considering he was one of the best relief pitchers in all of baseball last year.
The Rangers’ spending is driven in part by the owners’ desire to stay under the first luxury tax threshold this season, which is $241 million. That’s partly why the Rangers never came close to bringing Yates back.
Last year’s player, David Robertson, is still a free agent, and chances are Texas won’t re-sign him either. While the 2024 season may have been a disappointment, the Rangers did have a knack for closing games.
Recently, president of baseball operations Chris Young said teams are basically ready to start spring training.
Pursuing a good pitching prospect doesn’t come cheap, and it doesn’t look like Texas will want to spend much more. With a bullpen that includes many question marks, the 2025 win. will be a challenge. Hopefully, some pitchers will be able to fill bigger roles, but the unit will be something to watch this year.