TX Rangers news: Cubs steal relievers, Brandon Nimmo tension, do-or-die 2026 and more

Chicago Cubs have signed 3 former Rangers relievers this offseason

Since the offseason began, the bullpen on the North Side of Chicago is beginning to look a lot like the one in Arlington last season. On Christmas Eve, the Cubs added Jacob Webb on a one-year deal, increasing their number of ex-Rangers relievers to three. Earlier this offseason they added Hoby Milner and Phil Maton to their pen.

Tyler Soderstrom's extension with A's hurts Rangers

Another rare sight is the A's spending money and making moves that point the organization in a positive direction. In addition to trading for Jeff McNeil, the Athletics also extended their 24-year-old outfielder Tyler Soderstrom to a team friendly eight year deal. This locks him up until 2033 and pairs him with a solid, young core as the team relocates to Las Vegas in a couple of years.

3 Rangers going into do-or-die seasons in 2026

It's a defining season for a handful of Rangers but these three have a little extra to prove in 2026 or they might find their time in Arlington shorter than imagined. It starts with former first-round pick in Josh Jung who has struggled to find his groove after a promising rookie season. Kumar Rocker will also be looking for a Jack Leiter-esque surge in 2026 and Brandon Nimmo has big shoes to fill after Texas parted ways with Gold Glover Marcus Semien to get him.

Former Rangers' top prospects move on elsewhere

Once a top 10 prospect for the Rangers, outfielder Dustin Harris has moved on to the Chicago White Sox after being released by Texas at the start of the offseason. Having only appeared in 21 career games, the 26-year-old is a .217 career hitter with two homers and six RBIs.

Another top prospect for Texas at one time was right-hander Owen White. He is now headed to the KBO after signing a one-year contract with the Hanwha Eagles on Christmas Eve. White was the Rangers second round pick in 2018 and after being released last offseason, played the 2025 season with the White Sox.

Texas adds another bullpen arm in desperation rebuild

It seems whenever the Rangers have needed to add a bullpen arm this winter, they've gone to the desperation block and found the cheapest pitcher they could and offer them a minor league deal. It was no different on Monday, adding MLB journeyman Nabil Crismatt to the roster to compete for a spot in the bullpen this spring. Not a promising look for Rangers' fans.

Could the Rangers eventually regret the Brandon Nimmo trade?

You thought reported tension was over once the Corey Seager and Marcus Semien "tension" broke post-Semien's trade to New York? Well, think again as the return in that trade, Nimmo, reportedly had some of his own while in Queens. A lot of chatter has been had from execs, former players and NYC-based reporters that the Mets' clubhouse wasn't great and Nimmo reportedly had tension with shortstop Francisco Lindor. Not saying the same will happen in Arlington but not fun for Rangers' fans that just want the team to be good again.