MLB insider suggests Rangers could cut one of these key 2023 World Series players

MLB insider Ken Rosenthal wrote an article that included an evaluation of the direction the Rangers are likely headed. In the article, Rosenthal wrote that Texas "seems virtually certain to cut payroll," and will likely non-tender a key player from the 2023 World Series team.

MLB insider Ken Rosenthal thinks Rangers will likely non-tender Adolis Garcia or Jonah Heim

"...a non-tender of outfielder Adolis Garcia (projected $12.1 million salary in arbitration, per MLB Trade Rumors) or catcher Jonah Heim ($6 million) appears likely as the Rangers seek the flexibility to build a more complete roster."

If cutting payroll is necessary, non-tendering Garcia, 32, or Heim, 30, makes perfect sense for the Rangers. Both players had career years in 2023, with Garcia worth 4.7 fWAR and Heim worth 4.0 fWAR, but they struggled the past two seasons. Heim posted negative fWAR in 2024 and 2025, while Garcia was worth negative fWAR in 2024 and just 0.7 fWAR in 2025. Both players could experience career revivals next year, but given their advancing age, it may be time to move on.

The question is, if the Rangers are going to non-tender just one of them, who should it be?

Honestly, maybe both. Last season, the Rangers had a catcher provide more value than Heim, as Kyle Higashioka posted 1.0 fWAR in 94 games, while Heim posted -0.5 fWAR in 124 games. Texas could easily save money by non-tendering Heim and having Higashioka be the primary catcher next year. They could sign a veteran backup who would be cheaper and more valuable than Heim, or roll with Willie MacIver as the backup.

As for the Rangers' outfield situation, Wyatt Langford and Evan Carter are slam dunks to be in the Opening Day lineup as long as they're healthy. Michael Helman, Sam Haggerty and Alejandro Osuna are all seeking to lock down a starting spot in the outfield as well. Joc Pederson can also play outfield, but at this point in his career, he is primarily a designated hitter.

Suppose Pederson is going to be the primary designated hitter. In that case, that gives the Rangers extra incentive to non-tender Garcia, as it leaves fewer opportunities to fit him in the lineup. Garcia is still a great defender, however, which should give the Rangers something to think about when deciding whether to keep him or not this offseason.

It probably makes more sense to cut Heim over Garcia since the Rangers don't have another established outfielder besides Langford and Carter. On the other hand, Garcia would be more expensive than Heim. Maybe the Rangers end up non-tendering both, or neither.