2 Texas Rangers who will be back next year but probably shouldn't

2024 was a strange year for the Texas Rangers that saw a number of players either underperform or plainly regress. Their title defense did not go according to plan, and while some questionable talents may be back next season, it is worth wondering if they should be.

Fans and pundits could find a number or Rangers on the roster who fit this description, but these two players will be back even if they shouldn't be.

2 Texas Rangers who will be back next year but probably shouldn't

RHP Jon Gray

In truth, Gray’s best days are likely behind him. The righty signed a four-year deal with Texas in 2021 after spending the beginning of his career with the Colorado Rockies. Despite posting a 4.16 ERA across his first three seasons with the Rangers, his 2024 struggles point to a situation in decline.

The 32-year-old earned a 4.47 ERA across 102.2 innings this past year, and ultimately had his season cut short due to a groin-related injury. The Shawnee native ranked in the 30th percentile in Barrel% and only the 41st percentile in GB%.

Given his average fastball clocks in at around 95 MPH and that he is predominantly a two-pitch arm, there is reason to wonder if he could consistently compete as he gets older.

It would be unfair to use 2024 as the sole judge of Gray’s abilities, but he has not posted an ERA under 3.70 since 2017. The veteran is a quality starter, but he may be a better fit with a different club since Texas has younger rotation pieces they are hoping to utilize.

RHP Tyler Mahle

Teams take chances every offseason, and the Rangers did just that when they inked Mahle to a two-year contract last December.

The 30-year-old only made three starts with Texas in 2024, and has not made more than 10 starts since 2022. Mahle missed the beginning of the 2024 campaign while he rehabilitated from ‘Tommy John’ ligament replacement surgery.

Further, he only made three appearances before being shut down due to shoulder stiffness. The California native was not greatly impactful when he pitched this past season, and while Texas may have assumed he’d be able to find his footing, it may be wise to trade him for new pieces who have a less daunting injury history.