Offseason moves thus far Rangers’ fans wish Texas had pulled off instead

With the free agent market getting slimer each passing day, the Texas Rangers have made less additions this winter than they have subtractions. Part of that has a lot to do with the excessive need from the front office wanting to lower their costs going into the 2026 season.

However, as these three deals below would show. The Rangers could have easily gotten better and stayed within a comfortable price range, unless they are pinching pennies more than has been reported.

3 offseason moves Rangers' fans wish Texas would've made

Shawn Armstrong: 1-year, $5.5 million with CLE

This one has been discussed given Armstrong's reported interest in wanting to return to Texas after spending the 2025 season with the club. In one of the strongest seasons of his career, the 35-year-old had a 2.31 ERA, 74 strikeouts, 20 walks and nine saves in a career-high 74 innings.

It hurt even more when Armstrong's deal with Cleveland was reported to find out that the Guardians were able to secure the right-hander for just $5.5 million. Not only did the Rangers not actively want a reliever who wanted to be back, they couldn't even shell out $5.5 million for him.

Mark Leiter Jr.: 1-year, $3 million with ATH

Noticing a trend so far? Yes, the first two are relievers. Something that the Rangers so desperately need. Leiter Jr., who spent the last 1.5 years with the Yankees, is not coming off the strongest 2025 season in the Bronx but still proved valuable in playoff moments.

If there needs to be another value added to that, how about pairing him with his cousin Jack Leiter? The Rangers could have done just that for only $3 million. A steal when you consider that Texas instead has been adding project arms for just $1-2 million less.

Rob Refsnyder: 1-year, $6.25 million with SEA

Pick any cheaper outfield option and this could've worked as well. If it wasn't Refsnyder I would've been fine with Texas going the route Kansas City did and acquiring Lane Thomas a one-year deal as well.

But Refsnyder has always intrigued me and I've wanted him to be a Ranger for a few seasons now. He doesn't light up box score but he has sneaky power and knows how to hit. He's coming off an age 34 season where he batted .269 with nine homers, 30 RBIs, 12 doubles and an .838 OPS in 70 games.