3 Rangers who will survive the offseason but have everything to prove in 2027

For many MLB fans, their favorite team's season is still going on. Unfortunately, that's not the case for Texas Rangers fans. While the Rangers barely missed the postseason, they need to improve in nearly every facet of the game to return to the playoffs in 2027.

While the club could use outside help, internal improvements would be even better. Let's take a look at some Rangers players who will likely return next year and must improve not only for the team but also to keep their jobs.

These three Rangers will be on the chopping block if they don't improve in 2027

OF Evan Carter

Unfortunately, Carter hasn't been able to repeat his 2023 success. In 2023, his first season in the majors, Carter slashed .306/.413/.645 over 23 games in September and played a crucial role during the Rangers' World Series run, hitting .300/.417/.500 in 72 plate appearances.

Due to injuries and minor-league stints. Carter appeared in just 108 games from 2024-25. He was mostly healthy in 2026 but struggled significantly, posting a .602 OPS over 141 games.

The Rangers need Carter to return to his 2023 form, and Carter needs to improve his offensive numbers if he wants to keep his job. He is still an outstanding defender, which could extend his leash even if his offensive struggles continue. Still, the Rangers cannot afford to keep an everyday outfielder with a .602 OPS.

C Logan O'Hoppe

The Rangers acquired O'Hoppe from the Los Angeles Angels at the trade deadline. The 26-year-old catcher had just 18 plate appearances with Texas this year. He went 6-for-17 with the Rangers and spent most of his time after the trade deadline with Triple-A Round Rock.

O'Hoppe posted just 2.2 bWAR over 386 games with the Angels after making his MLB debut in 2022. He never lived up to expectations with Los Angeles, but a change of scenery with Texas could've been exactly what he needed. He was once the Angels' No. 1 prospect.

O'Hoppe has a strong chance of getting more of an everyday role with the Rangers next year, and if he succeeds early in the year, he could become the starting catcher for the foreseeable future. But if he struggles, Texas probably won't view him in its long-term plans.

RHP Jack Leiter

Leiter was once a top prospect. Texas selected him No. 2 overall in the 2021 Draft. After a brief and rough 2024 season, Leiter had a decent 2025 season, posting a 3.86 ERA with 148 strikeouts over 151 2/3 innings. However, he struggled to limit walks, allowing 67 free passes in 2025.

This past season, Leiter made just 15 starts before suffering a season-ending ankle injury that required surgery. He recorded a rough 5.29 ERA with a 1.44 WHIP over 80 innings in 2026. If Leiter doesn't turn things around early next year, the Rangers could option him to Triple-A Round Rock.

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