The Texas Rangers continue to grapple with their offensive struggles, recently exemplified in a game against the Baltimore Orioles. In a pivotal seventh inning, rookie Michael Helman, freshly promoted from Triple-A, showcased his determination. Trailing 3-2, he earned a walk before taking off for second base during Sam Haggerty's at-bat. An errant throw deflected off Helman, allowing him to dash for home. Despite the throw reaching catcher Gary Sanchez ahead of him, Sanchez couldn't secure it, letting Helman tie the game.

This unconventional play not only highlights Helman's grit but also reflects the Rangers' desperate need for runs amidst their inconsistent batting lineup. The Rangers have faced numerous challenges, yet Helman’s daring display may be a beacon of hope for the team’s offensive woes.

Oneil Cruz, the Pittsburgh Pirates' center fielder, is struggling significantly in the 2025 season, accumulating seven errors, the most among MLB outfielders. In a recent game against the Texas Rangers, Cruz's lack of effort on a play led to two early runs for Texas, highlighting his frustrations and inexperience in his first full season at center field after switching from shortstop. On the same day, Cruz went 0-for-4 at the plate.

His poor performance is a concern for fantasy managers who expected more from the speedy player, who ranks second in MLB with 25 stolen bases. The Pirates are currently facing a tough season with a record of 30-46, and Cruz's personal struggles only add to the team's woes.

The Texas Rangers are facing a significant injury setback as outfielder Evan Carter is sidelined due to tightness in his right quadriceps. Manager Bruce Bochy confirmed that Carter, who had previously battled chronic back issues, is not experiencing a recurrence of those problems. Instead, the team is opting for caution, allowing him three days of rest ahead of their series against the New York Yankees. Carter has struggled at the plate recently, going hitless in his last 11 at-bats but drawing three walks during that span. In his absence, the Rangers have started Sam Haggerty in center field, and if Carter's condition does not improve, they may activate Kevin Pillar from the injured list.

Amid the Texas Rangers' spring training, manager Bruce Bochy confirmed that Ezequiel Duran's spot on the 2025 roster is not guaranteed. With the addition of veteran outfielders Kevin Pillar and Sam Haggerty, the team is prioritizing right-handed protection in center field against left-handed pitchers. Duran, while he has experience, is facing stiff competition for a positional spot given his recent performance drop, and his limited exposure in center field could hinder his chances as the team evaluates the alternatives.

Duran's stats reflect a sharp decline in 2024, contrasting with his 2023 performance, raising questions about his effectiveness against lefties. The Rangers are in a complex situation, balancing the readiness of Evan Carter and Leody Taveras while ensuring Duran’s potential contributions are maximized within a crowded roster. Bochy emphasized the necessity of making tough decisions grounded in player production rather than past achievements.

Nick Ahmed, a two-time Gold Glove shortstop, and outfielder Sam Haggerty have signed minor league contracts with the Texas Rangers, gaining invitations to major league spring training. Ahmed, who previously played for the Arizona Diamondbacks, had a tumultuous season last year with multiple teams, hitting .229 with just two home runs and 17 RBIs in 71 games. At 35, only time will tell if he can recapture his Gold Glove form from 2018 and 2019.

Meanwhile, Haggerty, who played for the Seattle Mariners after a brief stint with the New York Mets, struggled with injuries last season, appearing in only 15 games due to a torn Achilles tendon. He boasts a .232 career batting average and has shown flashes of offensive potential, but consistency will be key for him to secure a spot on the roster.

With these additions, the Rangers have increased their non-roster invitees to 27, and will begin full-squad workouts in Arizona on February 17, aiming to bolster their lineup ahead of the upcoming season.