Texas Rangers head into winter with more questions than answers after back-to-back playoff misses. The offense regressed again, and the club plans to reshape the roster via free agency and trades, even as payroll is expected to dip below the $244 million tax threshold.

Nearly a third of the roster could hit free agency, with Joc Pederson and nine others in that bubble. Arbitration-eligible stars Adolis García, Jonah Heim, Jacob Webb, Josh Sborz, and Sam Haggerty loom, while core pieces DeGrom, Seager, Semien, Eovaldi, and Higashioka are locked long term. The pre arbitration group includes Jung, Burger and Leiter, shaping fantasy value for 2025.

Texas Rangers enter their final 11 regular-season games with five regulars sidelined and a tight return window. Bochy is balancing urgency with a practical rehab timeline as Mahle, Semien, Seager, Coulombe and Haggerty chase time on the field. Mahle’s four scoreless rehab innings keep him in rotation talk, Semien and Seager progress toward returns, Coulombe nears activation, and Haggerty’s ankle issue lingers. A critical series with Houston intensifies the fantasy stakes as roster depth and late-season pivots shape the playoff push.

Adolis García’s live batting-practice session in an indoor cage signals a strong chance he returns soon, with Bochy noting he could play the outfield immediately upon activation and a Sunday or Houston series window in play. The Rangers also map Mahle’s return from Triple-A, Semien’s gradual ramp after foot surgery, and Eovaldi’s shoulder-imaging with postseason aims in sight, plus rehab stints for Haggerty and Coulombe. Fantasy managers should track activation timelines and lineup shuffles.

With García looming back, the Rangers’ offense could regain balance and run production as Mahle, Semien, and Eovaldi rejoin the mix. Haggerty and Coulombe are nearing returns, adding depth to a bullpen and bench scenario that could influence daily fantasy and streaming decisions late in the season.

García returns from a left ankle sprain and is slated to be in Saturday's lineup vs. Cleveland, boosting Texas's thin outfield. Evan Carter (season-ending wrist fracture) and Sam Haggerty (ankle inflammation) join him on the IL, leaving the Rangers with less depth. García owns 16 homers and a .224/.266/.388 line this season, and his timing recovery after live BP could lift Texas's order and fantasy upside in the short term.

The Dallas Morning News presents a fresh podcast that blends history and current insights about the Texas Rangers. Hosted by veteran beat writer Evan Grant and team historian John Blake, the show promises to delve into the team's past while keeping an eye on its present as they make a push for playoff contention.

Recent episodes have highlighted the Rangers' impressive 8-1 homestand and examined the keys to their offensive success, including a focus on reducing chase rates and utilizing players like Sam Haggerty. Former GM Jon Daniels joins the discussion, offering his perspective on past trade deadlines. Fans can also participate in the Rangers Madness tournament, voting for memorable moments and earning a chance at memorabilia.