The Athletic has one massive surprise on their All-Quarter Century Rangers team

It is 2025, and that means that the arguments for the Texas Rangers All-Quarter Century team can be made. The Athletic just released their version of the elite eight positional players and DH that made the team during the May 27, 2-0 Ranger win, and there isn't too much disagreement from Nolan Writin'. Let's take a look at the players, some of whom are Texas Rangers Hall of Famers, with two who are enshrined in Cooperstown's Baseball Hall of Fame.

The Athletic has one massive surprise on their All-Quarter Century Rangers team

C- Ivan "Pudge" Rodriguez

Maybe the most beloved Ranger player of the century, Pudge Rodriguez, was a phenom from the first time he put on the catching gear at the age of 19 in 1991. Arguably the best backstop in the history of the game (you'll get many Johnny Bench and Yogi Berra arguments), his offensive production was only exceeded by his lightning-quick skills behind the plate. One of two MLB Hall of Famers on this team.

1B - Mark Texeira

Texeira ended up with a very nice career with both the Rangers and the New York Yankees. The Gold Glove switch-hitting first baseman racked up some gaudy stats in Arlington that included 153 homers and 499 RBIs. He was thought to be a cornerstone for the organization in the early 2000s, but was traded to the Atlanta Braves for a nice package of young players.

2B - Ian Kinsler

Fans loved Kinsler's attitude and bravado on the field manning second base. The diminutive middle infielder pack some serious power at the plate combined with above average defense. He played for the Rangers for eight full seasons and hit 32 long balls in 2011. Should this have been Michael Young's spot? Perhaps.

SS - Alex Rodriguez

From a statistical standpoint, this one is a no-brainer. In his three years with the organization from 2002-2004, A-Rod clubbed 156 homers and led the entire league in the category each season. His talent is undeniable, and he probably should already be in the HOF, but many die-hard Rangers fans would make the argument that Elvis Andrus meant more to the team in his long stint here.

3B - Adrian Beltre

Beltre is right up there with Pudge Rodriguez and Michael Young for the most beloved Ranger of this quarter century. He was a first-ballot MLB Hall of Famer, which would make him a shoo-in for the Rangers list. Superior defense and a powerful right-handed bat made this affable and playful Ranger an easy choice at the hot corner.

LF - David Murphy

This one is probably the biggest head-scratcher. Murphy was a contact hitter who played a good defensive left field. He never wowed in any one area, but was a solid, consistent contributor to the American League pennant-winning teams of 2010 and 2011. A good major league player, but clearly the weak link on this very talented squad.

CF - Josh Hamilton

When he was healthy and in a good mental state of mind, Josh Hamilton was as talented a player to have ever played for the Texas Rangers. With an incredible combination of power and speed, he dazzled Rangers fans with his all-around Micky Mantle-esque skills. And who will ever forget that Home Run Derby performance in Yankee Stadium?

RF - Nelson Cruz

Ok, can we just forget about that fly ball in the right field corner for just a moment and celebrate the boomstick that Nellie Cruz brought to the team? Cruz was the quintessential middle-of-the-lineup slugger who hit some of the longest home runs Rangers fans have ever seen.

DH - Michael Young

You could have just inserted Mike Young into the second base slot and bumped Kinsler, and we would have been fine with that. Young is widely considered Mr. Ranger with his consummate, professional approach to both hitting and fielding.