Texas Rangers News: New infielder, trade/free-agency rumors and more

Rangers sign journeyman infielder Jonah Bride following shocking Marcus Semien-Brandon Nimmo trade

The Rangers added infield depth by signing Jonah Bride to a minor league deal with an invitation to major league camp. Bride can play first, second and third base.

The Miami Marlins traded Bride to the Minnesota Twins this past season after the infielder hit .100 through 12 games. He had a lowly 44 OPS+ in 33 games with the Twins, which led to him being designated for assignment and finishing the year with Triple-A St. Paul. Hopefully, the Rangers get the 2024 version of Bride, who hit .276/.357/.461 (125 OPS+) with 11 homers in 71 games under new Rangers manager Skip Schumaker.

Rangers trade/free-agency rumors

Rumors are always rampant during the MLB offseason. Since there isn't any on-field product, writers and media members love to throw out hypothetical trades.

Josh Jung on the move?

MLB.com's Mark Feinsand said that Rangers third baseman Josh Jung is a candidate to be dealt this winter. Jung, a 2023 All-Star and World Series Champion, struggled at the plate this past season and only played in 46 games due to injuries and a Triple-A demotion.

Marcell Ozuna, J.T. Realmuto are potential free-agent signings for Rangers

Feinsand has also written that Texas could be a fit for free-agent designated hitter Marcell Ozuna, who was viewed as a trade target for the Rangers this past summer. After back-to-back seasons with an OPS over .900, Ozuna posted 1.6 bWAR and a .232/.355/.400 (113 OPS+) slash line in 2025.

Another potential free agent target for the Rangers is three-time All-Star catcher J.T. Realmuto, according to The Athletic's Jim Bowden. Realmuto, who posted 2.5 bWAR and a 91 OPS+ in 2025, is seeking a two-year deal. Signing him would be an easy way to replace Jonah Heim and upgrade at the catcher position.

Should Rangers trade for a top starting pitcher like Joe Ryan or MacKenzie Gore?

ESPN's Jeff Passan and Kiley McDaniel have also listed seven starting pitchers whom the Rangers could target this winter. Those pitchers are the Brewers' Freddy Peralta, Twins' Joe Ryan, Royals' Kris Bubic, Pirates' Mitch Keller, Marlins' Sandy Alcantara, Reds' Brady Singer and Nationals' MacKenzie Gore. Adding any of those pitchers surely would improve the team, especially with the losses of Tyler Mahle and Merrill Kelly.

Shawn Armstrong hoping to return to Rangers in free agency

The Rangers lost nearly their entire bullpen, including righty Shawn Armstrong, to free agency this offseason. DLLS Sports' Jeff Wilson reported that Armstrong is hoping to return to the Rangers, and he is likely seeking a two-year contract.

Armstrong pitched a career-high 74 innings for Texas last season, posting a 2.31 ERA (3.07 FIP) with a 26.1% strikeout rate, 7.0% walk rate and nine saves. If the Rangers can afford him, they definitely should bring him back.