4 Texas Rangers who have impressed in spring training, 3 who have disappointed

As spring training comes to a close and the Rangers finally back in Arlington for a couple final tune up games to start the week, now's a perfect time to analyze performances, dive into the numbers and make some over-exaggerated assumptions.

4 Rangers who have impressed in Spring Training 2026

1. Carter Baumler, RHP

Baumler has been all the talk throughout spring training and what a perfect time for the Rule 5 Draft pick to make himself known. In a time with a lot unknown about the Rangers' bullpen construction, the 24-year-old right-hander has stepped up.

In 8.1 innings, he did not surrender a run, although an unearned run did come across, while he struck out nine batters, gave up just two free passes and limited batters to a .133 average. On top of that, he's impressed practically anyone he could impress with almost every player in the clubhouse raving about his curveball.

2. Jake Burger, 1B

Talk about a much needed comeback, Burger had a lot of question marks surrounding a below-average 2025 season that was filled with several stints on the injured list. Already somewhat of a controversial trade, Burger came out this spring and dominated.

He hit .289 with four HRs, 13 RBIs, a double, 13 hits and scored seven runs in 17 games. He is coming into the season projected to be team's cleanup hitter being Brandon Nimmo, Wyatt Langford and Corey Seager. His production says he's the perfect person for the job.

3. Ezequiel Duran, INF

Knowingly being on the negative side of Duran the past couple of seasons, this has been one of the most impressive spring trainings from the utility man. He hit .302 with three homers, 10 RBIs, four doubles, seven walks, .605 slugging percentage and 1.017 OPS.

That has earned him a spot on this Opening Day roster and while he is not going to be a starter, it's easy to see him slot into a platoon role similar to Josh Smith the past two seasons.

4. Andrew McCutchen, DH/OF

A veteran presence who knows how to get his work done and produce. McCutchen, 39, signed late into spring on March 6 and while he only played in seven games, he made the most of the opportunity.

All he did was go 8-for-18 with a home run, seven RBIs, three doubles, .778 slug, 1.361 OPS and walked more than he struck out. He will go into Opening Day in Philly on Thursday as the better half of the DH platoon with McCutchen.

3 Rangers whose 2026 Spring Training performances have left much to be desired

1. Michael Helman, OF

Helman was part of rejuvenated second half push for the Rangers last season despite them falling short of the postseason. The 29-year-old outfielder had several clutch performances on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball.

Unfortunately, this spring, Helman is batting just .233 with a home run, 4 RBIs and a .242 average in 30 at-bats. While this might have been not a huge issue last season, but with an outfield surplus, he is likely out on the outside looking in.

2. Danny Jansen, C

As for Jansen, he has the luxury of not losing his spot and he will go into the regular season as part of a catching tandom with Kyle Higashioka. Regardless, Rangers' fans would have loved to see better numebrs from the backstop this spring.

His .200 average was the third-lowest among projected MLB starters and although he drove in seven runs and commanded the pitching staff well, he also managed to strike out eight times and an OPS that fell slightly below the .700 mark.

3. Joc Pederson, DH/1B

What more can we say about Pederson that hasn't already been said. He will make the team but none of that has anything to do with his performance and more than Texas is still unwilling to shed salary loss just yet.

His .171 average was the worst on the team behind a small handful of players that got limited to no at-bats this spring. Pederson, 33, recorded nothing of value offensively and struck out a dozen times. If he doesn't get off to a stellar start in 2026, he will be released by May.