The Texas Rangers are gearing up for a pivotal 2026 season, aiming to turn their fortunes around after a challenging two-year stretch. With a core lineup that has seen better days and potential trade rumors swirling, the team has its work cut out for it. Here's a look at three key goals the Rangers must achieve to make a strong comeback and contend for the 2026 season.
1. Reviving the Offense: Aiming for a .250 Average
The Rangers' offense has been in the doldrums, with a team batting average of .234 in 2025, the fourth-worst in the MLB. The focus for Skip Schumaker, the new manager, is to get the team back to the .263 average they achieved in the 2023 season. This means an improvement of almost 20 points, which may seem like a tall order, but it's a realistic goal. The key to this will be the offensive philosophy shift led by Schumaker and the new hitting staff, headed by Justin Viele. The strategy is to lean into the team's strengths, focusing on getting on base and recording hits rather than relying solely on power.
2. Power Hitting: Aiming for at Least One 30-Home Run Season
While the new offensive approach emphasizes getting on base, the Rangers still have some powerful sluggers in their lineup. The goal is to get these big-name players going, with a focus on Wyatt Langford and Corey Seager, who led the team with 22 and 21 home runs, respectively, last season. Langford has the potential to be the team's first 30-30 player since Ian Kinsler in 2011. Seager, who played a crucial role in the team's success, needs to play at least 120 games to contribute significantly. Other players like Joc Pederson, Jake Burger, and Josh Jung could also have breakout seasons and help the team reach this goal.
3. Returning to the Postseason
This is the ultimate goal for the Rangers, who missed the playoffs in the past two seasons. Getting a chance to play in October baseball is a significant achievement, and once they're there, anything can happen. The 2023 season is a testament to this, as the Rangers struggled down the stretch but managed to sneak into the playoffs on the last weekend of the regular season. Once they got into postseason play, they began to click on all cylinders, and the team's success was evident across the board. The continued success of Jacob deGrom and Nathan Eovaldi, a breakout year for Jack Leiter, and a cohesive bullpen will be key to achieving this goal.
The Rangers have their work cut out for them, but with these three goals in mind, they can make a strong comeback and contend for the 2026 season. Will they succeed? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the Rangers have the talent and the determination to make it happen. So, what do you think? Do you agree with these goals, or do you have a different take on what the Rangers should focus on? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
