Texas Rangers news: Rule 5 Draft, coaching updates, award winners and more

The offseason is still yet to be in full effect but this week of Texas Rangers' baseball was still full of news and rumors that could point toward what the organization is hoping to do ahead of the 2026 season.

While they remain committed to making a return to the playoffs next season, they are also on trek to severely lower spending to a nearly $200 million payroll.

As Rangers' fans await for what that means for the organization, let's check in on some recent news related to the Texas's offseason.

Rangers' 2026 spring training schedule released, facing WBC qualifier

The 2026 spring training scheduled was released on November 5 with Cactus League action kicking off on February 20 against familiar opponent in Kansas City Royals. The full schedule includes 31 games, two of which are split squad, two are at Globe Life Field and one is an exhibition matchup against Team Brazil ahead of the World Baseball Classic.

Rule 5 Draft protection deadline this week

Among important dates this offseason is the November 18 deadline that teams have to protect their Rule 5 Draft eligible players. The Rangers have until Tuesday to add four of their players to the 40-man roster before they enter the draft pool. Cameron Cauley, David Davaillo, Abimelec Ortiz and Aaron Zavala are the four awaiting a decision.

Former Rangers' coaches find new homes

This week was one of former players finding new homes for the 2026 season. The week began with Bruce Bochy returning to the Giants in a front office role, Donnie Ecker is going to Baltimore as team's bench coach, Tony Beasley is now the Pirates third base coach and Oscar Marin is the news Reds bullpen coach.

In the meantime, the Rangers finalized their 2026 coaching staff under Skip Schumaker including Travis Jankowski, Rob Barajas and hitting coach Alex Cíntron.

Handful of top free agents linked to Rangers by MLB insiders

November is the month of free agent and trade rumors as movement doesn't really begin until the following month. This week, Texas was linked to several top names this week including Kyle Tucker, Japanese star Munetaka Murakami and lefty John Means.

deGrom is Comeback Player of the Year, former Rangers' reliever top AL bullpen arm

While the award season was not very kind to the Rangers this season it did end on a high-note with Jacob deGrom winning the 2025 American League Comeback Player of the Year. The 37-year-old Florida native started 30 games this year and finished the season with a 12-8 record, 2.97 ERA, 185 strikeouts, 37 walks and a franchise-best 0.92 WHIP in 172.2 innings.

Speaking outside the organization, in a rebound season, former Rangers reliever Aroldis Chapman won the AL Reliever of the Year with the Boston Red Sox. Chapman recorded 32 saves. 1.17 ERA, 85 strikeouts and a 0.70 WHIP.