First day press conference was Rangers only sign of life during 2025 Winter Meetings

Another year of MLB Winter Meetings has come and gone and the Texas Rangers leave just the way they entered, empty-handed.

During the four-day event full of agents, players, media and team front offices held this December in Orlando it was a mega opportunity for the Rangers to find some potential key pieces for their 2026 roster.

While big signings did happen like Kyle Schwarber returning to Philadelphia and Pete Alonso becoming the newest member of the Baltimore Orioles, the Rangers stood pat.

Rangers rather quiet at Winter Meetings despite prime opportunity to finding team's missing pieces

Day One started strong with an MLB Network segment from President of Baseball Operations Chris Young and a press conference with manager Skip Schumaker. However, it wasn't anything totally unexpected.

Going in they were likely to remain quiet with questions surrounding their payroll. The departure of three big presences in the lineup last season, the backend of the starting rotation and most of the bullpen, fans were hoping Texas would at least use the Winter Meetings to address one of them.

On Tuesday, they also landed the 16th overall pick during the MLB Draft Lottery for next summer's draft.

Texas did indeed walk out with something, selecting three players in the minor league phase of the Rule 5 Draft and acquiring right-handed reliever Carter Baumler from the Pittsburgh Pirates, who selected him fifth overall.

Instead, Schumaker provided some thoughts on his current players. He satisfied at least a sliver of curiosity surrounding the team's search for a Marcus Semien replacement, what Brandon Nimmo brings to the clubhouse, Josh Jung and Evan Carter's expectations and a possible outfield blueprint.

The biggest news that involved Texas was Wednesday's re-ignited topic of trading Corey Seager. The 31-year-old shortstop is still one of the most talented hitters in MLB and rumors of him getting traded have filled the offseason.

Most recently, reports circulated that the Red Sox engaged in conversations with Texas about the two-time World Series MVP. Other interested parties could include the Yankees, Dodgers and Braves. But Young tells Dallas Morning News that the team is not ready to trade him.

“The reality is, every team is looking for great players, and there have been a number of teams that have checked in on a number of our great players,” Young said Wednesday afternoon. “And the reality is, we are not motivated to move Corey Seager. We are trying to win a championship 2026 and in order to do that, we need great players.

What's next for the Rangers?

In reality? Everything they entered the week needing to do.

Texas still needs to fill a catcher role after releasing Jonah Heim, a starting pitcher after Tyler Mahle and Merrill Kelly left in free agency and four to fiev bullpen arms after contracts expried and released ensued.

Good news remains that most of the players that the Rangers are likely eyeing are still on the market. They were never realistically in the market for guys like Alonso and Schwarber, they were more wildest dreams type options.

Instead, renuins with Shawn Armstrong and Josh Sborz remain on the table. As does acquiring a catcher like Victor Caratini and finding a immensely valuable bottom of the rotation starter that will eat up innings every fifth game and complement Jacob deGrom, Nathan Eovaldi and Jack Leiter.