Rangers not impressing a lot of MLB community with 2026 contender tier rankings

The general consenus around Major League Baseball is that the Texas Rangers are not in a prime position to contend for a title in 2026 but the recent tier rankings of all 30 teams might even dissapoint Rangers' fans even more.

After two straight seasons of missing the playoffs, including an 81-81 season last year where the expecations were much higher, the Rangers might find themselves back in the .500 category this year.

While it could be worse, the Rangers are among six other teams sitting in Tier 5 of 9 in a.ka. "The .500 Zone" in MLB's 2026 contender tier rankings.

MLB's view matches Rangers' pre-season playoff odds

It's no secret to the Rangers' fanbase that the past two seasons have been less than amazing coming off the franchise's first World Series title in 2023. Finishing third in the American League West while compiling a record six games below .500 at 159-165.

Over the offseason they dumped dead weight in roster staples who'd been underperforming and brought in fresh faces and a new manager to instill some life in the clubhouse. But while the Rangers' still remain among MLB's top rotations, their offense raises a lot of questions.

Their biggest offensive addition was outfielder Brandon Nimmo and they will rely on either players bouncing back from disappointing seasons or the compilation of young, unproven talent to give them the boost.

It's a main reason why the team has the second best team in their division for an overall 34.5 percent chance of making the playoffs and less than two percent chance of winning the World Series. Which is why MLB believes they belong in the .500 tier, as their projected over/under is 80.4 wins.

How do Rangers defy the haters?

Well, quite simply, they need to get better by a mile on the offensive side. Even a switch from a bottom 10 offensive team to at least the top half of the league will make a huge difference. Their pitching staff had the best staff ERA in the league and if they showed any moderate level of offensive prodcution they could've won 90+ games.

There are more keys to defying the odds and making the playoffs again for the first time since that World Series year. It involves the offense but it also their pitchers remaining on point, like we all know believe they can.

If they follow that exact blueprint and go on a run, this 80 win team can easily turn into a 90+ win team.