The Texas Rangers entered the offseason facing a wave of uncertainty on the pitching side of the roster, with multiple arms from their 2025 staff eligible to hit unrestricted free agency. While pitching depth was not expected to be a major strength heading into the season, it ultimately became one of the most impressive and surprising aspects of the Rangers’ campaign. Texas finished the year with the best team ERA in Major League Baseball, a remarkable achievement that underscored both strong individual performances and effective pitching management throughout the organization.
The Rangers’ bullpen, in particular, provided valuable contributions for much of the season. Veteran relievers delivered consistent outings, helping bridge the gap between the starting rotation and the late innings. As the season progressed, Shawn Armstrong emerged as the club’s primary closer, taking on ninth-inning responsibilities down the stretch. Armstrong’s steady presence helped stabilize the back end of the bullpen at a time when Texas was pushing to remain competitive.
Despite the bullpen’s overall effectiveness, it was not without its flaws. The Rangers finished the season ranked among the top five teams in blown saves, a statistic that highlighted an ongoing issue throughout the year. While Texas frequently put itself in position to win games, the inability to consistently protect late leads proved costly. Several close contests slipped away due to bullpen instability, ultimately impacting the team’s overall record and postseason outlook.
The lack of a dependable, season-long closer was a recurring concern. Texas cycled through multiple relievers in high-leverage situations before settling on Armstrong late in the year. By that point, however, some damage had already been done. Missed opportunities in tight games underscored the importance of bullpen reliability, particularly for teams hoping to contend over a full 162-game schedule.
As the offseason begins, the Rangers appear poised to retool their bullpen in an effort to address those shortcomings. While the overall pitching staff performed at an elite level, front office decision-makers recognize that small improvements in late-game execution could yield significant gains. That process, however, will involve roster turnover, and at least two relief pitchers from last season’s bullpen are expected to move on.
One of those departures was finalized earlier this month. Phil Maton, whom the Rangers acquired at the trade deadline to bolster their relief corps, signed a two-year, $14.5 million contract with the Chicago Cubs. Maton’s time in Texas was relatively brief, but he provided valuable depth and experience during the stretch run. His departure marks the first notable bullpen loss of the offseason for the Rangers.
Maton’s signing also reflects the Cubs’ aggressive approach to upgrading their own bullpen. Chicago identified relief pitching as a priority and moved quickly to secure Maton’s services on a multi-year deal. For Texas, however, the move represents a reminder of the challenges that come with maintaining bullpen continuity, particularly when productive veterans reach free agency.
Maton will not be the only former Ranger making his way to Chicago. Another reliever from Texas’ 2025 bullpen is set to join him with the Cubs, further signaling a shift in the Rangers’ relief corps. While the specific loss may not dramatically alter the overall strength of the pitching staff, it does underscore the turnover that often defines bullpen construction from year to year.
The departure of multiple relievers creates both challenges and opportunities for the Rangers. On one hand, losing experienced arms can disrupt chemistry and force the team to rely on unproven options. On the other, it opens the door for younger pitchers or external additions to step into meaningful roles. Texas now faces important decisions about whether to pursue established late-inning relievers on the free-agent market or trust internal candidates to handle high-leverage situations.
Given the team’s success in run prevention last season, the Rangers’ front office will likely prioritize bullpen upgrades rather than a complete overhaul. The goal will be to complement an already strong pitching foundation with greater consistency in the late innings. Finding a reliable closer — or at least a clearer hierarchy of bullpen roles — figures to be a central objective this winter.
Shawn Armstrong’s emergence late in the season provides one potential internal solution. If Armstrong can carry that momentum into the upcoming year, he could solidify himself as the team’s primary closer from Opening Day. However, relying solely on internal options carries risk, especially after a season in which blown saves proved so costly.
The Rangers must also consider the broader context of their competitive window. With an offense capable of providing run support and a rotation that has proven its effectiveness, even modest improvements in bullpen efficiency could translate into a significant boost in the win column. Addressing late-game struggles may be the difference between a good season and a great one.
As free agency unfolds, Texas will monitor the market for relievers who fit both their performance goals and financial parameters. Whether through free-agent signings, trades, or internal promotions, the bullpen is expected to look different when the Rangers take the field next spring. The loss of Phil Maton and another departing reliever marks the beginning of that transition.
Ultimately, while the Rangers’ pitching staff exceeded expectations in 2025, the offseason presents an opportunity to build on that success. By reshaping the bullpen and addressing the issues that led to blown saves, Texas can position itself for a more consistent and complete performance in the year ahead. The changes may come with growing pains, but they reflect a commitment to turning last season’s lessons into future gains.
