Creating the Texas Rangers 2026 dream rotation to continue pitching excellence

It's hard to improve upon an already fantastic starting rotation, but with the departure of a few key rotation pieces throughout the season, the Texas Rangers will need to find a way to make that improvement happen next year.

The Rangers have a lot to look forward to in 2026, including a lineup that hopes to feature stars that have made a name for themselves in Texas. Beyond the batter's box, the mound could see a variety of storylines depending on who takes the ball under Skip Schumaker.

Veterans and youngsters are looking to earn rotation spots as we inch closer to spring training and beyond. While the offseason is getting ready to kick into high gear, let's explore and build the Rangers' potential dream starting rotation for the 2026 season.

Building the Texas Rangers dream starting rotation to continue pitching excellence in 2026

Jacob deGrom, RHP

DeGrom was one of the bright spots for the Rangers in 2025, and fans hope he can continue to shine for the team in 2026 as the leader of the rotation.

The right-hander posted a 12-8 record alongside a 2.97 ERA for Texas in 30 games played in 2025, which was a little higher than his career numbers. Nevertheless, he led the team in a number of categories, including innings pitched, strikeouts and average against (.196).

The team will look for him to do the same in his fourth year in a Rangers uniform, and if last year is any indication, I don’t see him going anywhere any time soon.

Nathan Eovaldi, RHP

Eovaldi has been one of the most consistent and reliable pitchers in Major League Baseball over the last few years and that trend continued in 2025. The 14-year veteran put together a fantastic campaign last season, ending the year with an 11-3 record and 1.73 ERA in 22 games played.

There is some bad news surrounding Eovaldi as of late, as he underwent surgery for a sports hernia in early October, which could impact his offseason recovery; however, it is not expected to impact his offseason schedule by much, so the jury is still out on that one.

Either way, the Rangers will look to use him quite often in 2026, and if he’s true to form, Texas will be able to rely on him in big situations that hopefully lead them back to October baseball. 

Jack Leiter, RHP

The young duo of Leiter and Rocker made a number of starts for Texas last season and they will be competing for rotation spots in spring training alongside the established veterans and newcomers. Jack Leiter is perhaps the more established of the two, considering his experience.

The 25-year-old started 29 games in 2025 en route to a 10-10 record with a 3.86 ERA over 151.2 innings pitched. It’s not necessarily the best stat line out there, but Leiter proved that he can be a consistent presence in the rotation. His 151.2 innings pitched were the third most on the team in 2025, behind Degrom (172.2) and Patrick Corbin (155.1).

Kumar Rocker, RHP

Rocker has plenty to prove in 2026 if he wants to stay in the rotation. With just 14 games pitched in 2025, Rocker had a rather disappointing 5.74 ERA with a 4-5 record. The good news is that means that Rocker has room to grow, and given the veteran presence in the Rangers rotation and bullpen, there will be plenty of experience willing to help him out once spring training rolls around.

The two of them have had high expectations since before they even debuted for the Rangers at the major league level. If they can manage those thoughts in 2026, no doubt he will be in the conversation for the rotation.

Walker Buehler, RHP 

Buehler struggled his way through the 2025 season in Boston and Philadelphia, but if he can put that behind him and focus on improving in 2026, he could be a great option for Texas. The eight-year veteran didn’t have a great year in 2025, amounting to a 4.93 record and 10-7 record through 26 games; despite that, his career numbers suggest he is more than capable of bouncing back. 

His 3.52 ERA through 157 career games is a good sign, and Texas might be just what he needs to get back on track. Buehler’s numbers are worth a leap of faith from the Rangers, even if just on a one-year basis, and it seems like there’s more reward than risk in the deal for Texas.