3 moves the Rangers must make after the 2025 Winter Meetings

The 2025 MLB Winter Meetings just wrapped up in Orlando, and there were some big splash moves. Unfortunately, none of them involved the Texas Rangers.

President of Baseball Operations Chris Young and General Manager Ross Fenstermaker were happy to stay put at the moment and reiterate that Corey Seager is not going anywhere, despite rumors to the contrary.

The organization has made it clear that they will be more frugal heading into 2026, but are still aiming to be competitive and make a return to the postseason. That will, however, take some moves to achieve. The three moves they need to make happen post-meetings are largely the same as what they needed before the annual gathering.

3 moves Rangers need to make in aftermath of Winter Meetings

1. Rangers still need to a catcher to pair with Kyle Higashioka

Unless the Rangers plan on playing Kyle Higashioka 162 games behind he pate, the team needs to get serious about bringing in a replacement for the non-tendered Jonah Heim.

Some backstops that Young is likely looking at are headlined by free agent Victor Caratini, who spent the last two seasons with the Houston Astros and hit .259 with 12 home runs and 46 RBIs in 114 games last year. Other options include Danny Jansen, Gary Sanchez, and maybe even a trade to acquire their guy.

The switch-hitting Caratini is the most attractive hitting free agent and would be a perfect platoon complement with right-handed hitting Higashioka.

2. Closer situation needs to be addressed sooner rather than later

The Rangers used a closer-by-committee for most of last season with middling results before deciding to go with Shawn Armstrong in the final 50 games.

They need to go out and get an established closer unless they want to roll the dice and re-sign Armstrong as the guy who comes in to slam the door in the ninth inning. Armstrong was solid in the role but isn't a true closer right now.

With most of the top free agent closers off the board and one potential option Hoby Milner off the table after joining the Cubs. Expect to see names like Pete Fairbanks, Kenley Jansen and the 2023 World Series capper Josh Sborz tossed around in the coming weeks, as all three have established closing resumes.

3. Upgrade one of the corner infield spots would be more of a luxury move

Jake Burger and Josh Jung suffered through disappointing seasons. Burger couldn't stay healthy, and Jung was extremely inconsistent and undisciplined at the plate.

The Rangers have already added another solid left-handed bat in outfielder Brandon Nimmo but getting an upgrade at either first base or third base would be a luxury that would also improve the team's offensive production.

For instance, Young could pull the trigger on a deal for Luis Arraez, Ryan O'Hearn, Paul DeJong or even Japanese superstar Munetaka Murakami.