3 key factors to a successful 2025 for the Texas Rangers

From the highs of the franchise's first ever World Series title to the lows of 2024 its been a rollercoaster of emotions for the Texas Rangers over the last two seasons.  However with the help of a few new additions and a new found fire, they are poised and committed to returning to the top of the Major League Baseball mountain.

Here are three factors I believe will make for a successful season in 2025.

Jacob deGrom stays healthy and makes 20-25 starts

The Rangers have not gotten their money’s worth for Jacob deGrom's five-year $185 million contract he signed in the winter of 2022 as he has given the team only nine starts in the past two seasons.

The now 36-year-old, two-time Cy Young Award winner finally had a healthy offseason and although I am sure he will have some restrictions as he eases back on the mound,  I think he can get back to being one of the top pitchers in the majors.

Since making a career-high 32 starts in 2018 & 2019, deGrom has not started more than 15 games in a season.  

Realistically, I think the goal for this season should be around 20-25 starts.  A six-man rotation would probably be best for the Rangers, but with Jon Gray and Cody Bradford out for the early part of the season and questions with their young pitching stars Kumar Rocker and Jack Leiter I am not sure if that will be possible.

Rangers finally overcoming their in-state rivals to win the American League West

Winning their first American League West pennant since 2016 would be huge for Texas.

It was thought that the Rangers slayed their preferable dragon after defeating the Astros in the 2023 ALCS, but Houston was able to bounce back last season, taking home the divisional crown for a fourth consecutive season.

The Astros will look a lot different this year without World Series champions Kyle Tucker and Alex Bregman on the roster, plus the Seattle Mariners seem to be at a bit of a crossroads with their current roster construction.

Texas will separate itself from the rest of the pack on the strength of what will be one of the top lineups in the league.  If they are able to make the best out of a starting rotation that comes into the season with a few question marks, I think they could start a trend of winning divisional pennants, especially as their core gains experience each year.

Core of young player take a significant step forward

Five players who were originally drafted by the Rangers made the 2025 Opening Day roster and each will play a pivotal role in the team's success not only now, but for years to come.

Josh Jung is looking to return to All-Star form after multiple injuries caused him to only play in 46 games in 2024, Wyatt Langford who is on the verge of superstardom is looking to avoid a sophomore slump and Leody Taveras, who is only 26 years old should be entering the prime of his career.

On the mound, the former Vanderbilt University pairing of Jack Leiter and Kumar Rocker will have their chance to establish themselves as key contributors for the staff for years to come.

Ezequiel Duran, Josh Smith and Evan Carter's growth is also something to watch this year, as well as how effective relief pitcher Marc Church is in his first year out of the bullpen.