The Texas Rangers head into the offseason with more questions than answers after a disappointing 81-81 finish that left them out of the playoff picture for the second straight year. Just two seasons removed from their first-ever World Series title, the franchise has taken a clear step back, and now must navigate a crucial winter under tighter financial constraints and rising expectations from fans and ownership alike.
President of Baseball Operations Chris Young is tasked with reshaping a roster that still boasts plenty of talent, but lacks the depth and consistency required to compete in a tough American League. Ownership reportedly wants to keep payroll in check, putting pressure on Young to get creative with trades, especially as key veterans age and younger talent has yet to fully emerge.
One area that could see movement is the outfield, where the Rangers have a logjam of players with overlapping skillsets. While Adolis García is unlikely to be moved, other names like Leody Taveras could become intriguing trade chips. Taveras, who has long been seen as a player with untapped potential, had a mixed 2025 campaign but remains under team control and could attract interest from clubs looking for a controllable, defensively sound center fielder.
Taveras finished the season with modest offensive numbers, hitting .248 with 11 home runs and 18 stolen bases. His elite speed and solid glove make him a valuable asset in center field, but questions about his offensive consistency remain. With Evan Carter now entrenched in left field and top prospect Wyatt Langford pushing for more playing time, the Rangers might consider moving Taveras to address needs elsewhere on the roster.
Trading Taveras wouldn’t be without risk. The Rangers have invested years in his development and moving on could come back to haunt them if he finally breaks out with another club. However, Texas is in a position where calculated risks may be necessary to improve the roster without expanding payroll.
Another consideration is the status of veteran outfielders like Travis Jankowski, who provided steady if unspectacular production, and utility players like Ezequiel Duran, who saw time in the outfield. If the Rangers want to clear the path for Langford and other young players, subtracting from the current group becomes even more logical.
While the free agent market for outfielders isn’t particularly deep this offseason, that could work in Texas’ favor if they choose to trade someone like Taveras. Teams unable to land a top free agent outfielder may be more willing to pay a premium for a trade acquisition, especially one with several years of team control left.
Ultimately, Chris Young and the front office face a delicate balancing act. The Rangers aren’t in rebuild mode, but they also can’t afford to stand pat. Trading an outfielder like Leody Taveras could be one of several strategic moves aimed at getting Texas back into contention without blowing past budget constraints.
