Rangers pitching experienced a dramatic decline from 2025 to 2026, but there's one promising stat to build on

The Texas Rangers had a disappointing season overall, missing the postseason with an 80-82 record. While a lack of offensive production is a big issue, the pitching staff's regression may be even bigger.

Texas' offense struggled in both 2025 and 2026. In fact, the year-over-year similarities were staggering, despite a change in coaching and philosophy. Last year, Texas ranked 22nd in runs with 684. This year, the team ranked 25th with 673 runs. Meanwhile, the Rangers' pitching staff went from arguably the best in 2025 to one of the worst in 2026.

Last year, Texas ranked first in ERA (3.47) and WHIP (1.18) and third in opponent batting average (.230). In 2026, the Rangers ranked 22nd in ERA (4.32), 18th in WHIP (1.30), and opponent batting average (2.48).

While the Rangers' pitching regression is certainly worrisome, one key reason to be optimistic going forward is their ability to limit free passes. This season, Texas' pitchers ranked eighth in walks (497), which isn't much worse than last year, when the Rangers ranked sixth in walks (463).

Rangers' pitching staff needs to improve for the team to be competitive in 2027

Obviously, the Rangers' pitching staff needs to improve next year. It's almost a miracle the team remained in the playoff race until the very last day of the regular season with a bottom-10 pitching staff and offense.

Notably, pitching coach Mike Maddux left the Rangers after Bruce Bochy parted ways with the team following the 2025 season. That's probably not the only reason Texas' pitching staff struggled this year, but it's difficult to believe it wasn't at least a small one.

The Los Angeles Angels hired Maddux after he left the Rangers. His tenure with Los Angeles didn't last long, as the Angels fired the former Rangers pitching coach in August.

Major injuries to Jack Leiter and Nathan Eovaldi certainly didn't help the Rangers' pitching numbers this year. While a team cannot bank on its entire pitching staff being healthy the entire year, the Rangers could still use some better injury luck this year.

Texas is also still waiting on Leiter and Rocker to take the next step. Additionally, MacKenzie Gore was worse than expected in his first season with Texas.

The fact that the pitching staff excelled at limiting walks this year, despite an overall poor season, is one thing to be encouraged about regarding the Rangers' pitchers. If the Rangers can add high-strikeout arms to the group, especially to the bullpen, while maintaining their ability to limit free passes, the pitching staff could be very good in 2027.

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