5 former Rangers making their return to Globe Life Field in 2026

The Texas Rangers have a deep home schedule during their 2026 regular season campaign and with it they will welcome a handful of their former players back to Globe Life Field for the first time since they wore a Rangers' uniform.

These former Texas Rangers are returning to Arlington in 2026

Carson Kelly, C, Chicago Cubs

When do they face off: Cubs vs. Rangers May 8-10

It's been a couple of seasons now since Kelly was a member of the Rangers and only for a short time following his mid-season trade from Detroit in 2024. Kelly, 31, only appeared in 31 games in a Rangers' uniform but finished the season strong as a backup to Jonah Heim.

Kelly, now a member of the Cubs, did face Texas last season in a three-game set at Wrigley Field. He went 0-for-3 with a walk and grounded into a double play as Chicago took the 10-6 win over Texas. It will be his first return to Arlington after that brief stint with Texas.

Merrill Kelly, RHP, Arizona Diamondbacks

When do they face off: D-Backs vs. Rangers, May 11-13

Another short-term Ranger, this one probably stings a bit more for Rangers' fans as Texas gave up several top prospects for Kelly at last year's trade deadline. The organization was convinced that they were just a few pieces short of making the playoffs, brought in Kelly and still missed the postseason.

Make matters worse, Kelly signed a fresh two year, $40 million deal to return to Arizona this past offseason. Not only did Texas not re-sign him, they lost a significant chunk of prospect capital. Unfortunately, Kelly will start the season in the IL for Arizona but could make his way back by mid-May to face Texas.

Nathaniel Lowe, 1B, Cincinnati Reds

When do they face off: Reds vs. Rangers, April 3-5

Pending the Reds' decision on whether or not Lowe will break camp with the organization, it will be early on in the season where the former World Series champion returns to Globe Life Field for the first time since being traded prior to the 2025 season.

The 30-year-old spent four seasons in Texas from 2021-24 and in that time amassed an 11.4 WAR, .274 average, 107 HRs and 413 RBIs. He also won a Silver Slugger and Gold Glove in back-to-back seasons while helping Texas win their first World Series title in 2023.

Phil Maton, RHP, Chicago Cubs

When do they face off: Cubs vs. Rangers, May 8-10

Seems the Cubs stole a lot of former Rangers relievers during the offseasons starting with Maton. The half a season fixture in the bullpen for Texas will return to Arlington alongside a few former Rangers' teammates during the second full month of the season.

Maton, 32, threw 23 innings for Texas after being traded from St. Louis at the 2025 trade deadline. He provided some valuable relief down the stretch and in September when Texas was attempting to get back into the playoff race. This spring, Maton threw six scoreless innings for Chicago, only allowing two hits but did issue four walks to five strikeouts.

Hoby Milner, LHP, Chicago Cubs

When do they face off: Cubs vs. Rangers, May 8-10

Here's the second portion of former Rangers' relievers stolen by the team in the South Side of Chicago over the winter and perhaps the biggest loss Texas will feel in their bullpen this year. The side arm throwing southpaw began the 2025 season with Texas and appeared in 73 games.

This spring, the 35-year-old Dallas native threw eight innings of work for the Cubs in the Cactus League and is bound to make a huge impact for Chicago alongside Maton, Jacob Webb and their expected closer Danny Palencia.