Rangers hint at future plans with Friday non-tender decisions

The best poker players are able to hide their emotions and limit what the competition knows. Much like annual offseason dealings, it's a game of strategy. The Texas Rangers' front office may not have done a terrible job of keeping their intentions quiet, but some recent movement may hint at how they plan to play their cards.

On Friday, the Rangers announced that all 27 players on the 40-man roster who were not currently under contract were tendered. They also signed Dane Dunning and Josh Sborz to one-year contracts. The moves give a glimpse into what Texas may try to do this winter. Even if the strategy is not completely clear, fans can now use their imaginations to dream up a path forward.

From the most basic standpoint, signing Dunning and Sborz strengthens the Rangers' pitching staff. Dunning has spent time as both a starter and a reliever. His flexibility will help the club form a standard starting rotation regardless of who else they are able to sign.

Chris Young has indicated that the team intends to try to retain Andrew Heaney and Nathan Eovaldi, but they may not be able to bear the price tag.

Keeping Sborz signals that they may be attempting to keep some of their bullpen together. He posted a 3.86 ERA through 16.1 innings in 2024. Even though he had an injury-plagued campaign, the Rangers seem to feel he has more to offer. In 2021, he earned a 3.97 ERA across 59 innings of work.

Rangers hint at future plans with Friday non-tender decisions

Some of the position players involved in Friday's dealings are interesting. First baseman Nathaniel Lowe, catcher Jonah Heim and outfielder Leody Taveras were all tendered contracts.

It may be safe to assume that Heim will be a part of the club's future, but Taveras and Lowe could still be headed elsewhere. Texas still has to patch their bullpen and rotation. Given they are likely attempting to stay under the luxury tax, Taveras and Lowe could be trade assets.

This is especially true of Taveras since he struggled in 2024. Trading Lowe could net a better return, but the Rangers may still feel he has another Silver Slugger season up his sleeve. Regardless of what transpires, it is evident that the front office has some type of plan.