2 Texas Rangers who played their way out of the team’s 2025 plans

It is possible that two players could be on opposite sides of the performance spectrum and still “write their ticket” off of the team.

The Texas Rangers did not enjoy 2024, and there are two players who played their way out of the club’s 2025 plans for much different reasons.

2 players who played their way out of the Rangers’ 2025 plans

RHP Max Scherzer

Pitching goes a long way towards making an October run, but Scherzer did not do enough in 2024 to prove he should be a part of the team’s future. He was injured for the bulk of this past season and only made nine starts.

“Won a World Series here, get along with guys in here, we have a great clubhouse," Scherzer said towards the end of the season. "But I also know when you're a free agent, you know, I've been in free agency two other times in my career. I get how this goes. I've seen how things go and I'm realistic about it. So you've just got to let that take care of itself."

The 40-year-old is a legendary talent that is likely headed for Cooperstown, but he is past the point in his career where he will net a record-setting contract. His absence this year could be what Chris Young and the rest of the Rangers’ front office use as evidence that the aging ace longer fits into their vision.

RHP Kirby Yates

The Rangers will have to shuffle their bullpen this offseason, and Yates may have performed well enough in 2024 to warrant a new home in 2025.

The two-time All-Star earned a 1.17 ERA and collected 33 saves this past year. He was an integral part of the Rangers’ bullpen and while the team may have initially thought he’d be a piece they could keep around for a reasonable price, he may be headed for the kind of deal Texas would not make.

The Rangers will have a number of priorities this winter and with several holes to fill in their bullpen, they may choose to wrangle other less expensive options and try to save where they can.