Texas Rangers Face Crucial Decisions Ahead of 2026 Arbitration Period
The Texas Rangers find themselves at a pivotal juncture as they prepare for the upcoming arbitration season, with nine players eligible for contracts in 2026. As the organization looks to navigate its financial landscape, the decisions made regarding these players could significantly impact the team’s roster and payroll moving forward.
Understanding Arbitration Eligibility
Arbitration-eligible players are those who have accrued at least three years of Major League Baseball service but have not yet reached six years. This system allows players to negotiate for salaries that reflect their performance and contributions. As the Rangers brace for this offseason, they must weigh the potential of retaining these players against the backdrop of a budget-conscious strategy articulated by Chris Young, the team’s president of baseball operations. Young has indicated a desire to keep the team younger and trim payroll, which could influence how the Rangers approach their arbitration-eligible players.
The Non-Tender Possibility
The Rangers have the option to non-tender players, effectively removing them from the roster and allowing them to enter free agency. If the team decides to retain these players, they have until mid-January to negotiate one-year contracts for 2026. Failing to reach an agreement would lead to arbitration hearings in February, where an independent arbiter would determine the players’ salaries based on submissions from both the team and the player. Notably, the Rangers haven’t faced an arbitration hearing in over 25 years, highlighting the rarity of this process for the franchise.
Projected Salaries for Key Players
Here’s a rundown of the nine arbitration-eligible players and their projected salaries, calculated by MLB Trade Rumors:
Adolis Garcia
Garcia stands out among his peers, projected to earn $12.1 million in his final year of arbitration. Despite a decline in offensive production—posting a .227/.271/.394 slash line with 19 home runs and 75 RBIs—he remains a Gold Glove finalist in right field. Given his sizable salary projection, the Rangers might explore trade options, similar to their previous move with Nathaniel Lowe.
Jonah Heim
Heim, also in his last arbitration year, is projected to earn $6 million. Following a disappointing season, where he managed a .213/.271/.332 line with 11 home runs and 43 RBIs, the Rangers may consider a non-tender option if his performance does not rebound.
Jake Burger
Acquired to bolster the first base position, Burger is in his first arbitration year with a projected salary of $3.5 million. After dealing with injuries and a less-than-stellar offensive output (.236/.269/.419 with 16 home runs and 53 RBIs), he is expected to reach a contract agreement without much contention.
Josh Smith
The versatile Smith is projected to make $3 million in his first arbitration year. With a solid season that included a .251/.335/.366 slash line and 10 home runs, the Rangers are likely to retain him for his flexibility, possibly seeking a team-friendly multi-year deal.
Josh Jung
Also in his first arbitration year, Jung is projected for $2.9 million. His potential has been marred by injuries, but when healthy, he has shown the ability to contribute significantly—evidenced by a .251/.294/.390 line with 14 home runs and 61 RBIs.
Jacob Webb
Webb, in his final arbitration year, is projected to make $2 million. His performance has warranted retention, as he recorded a 3.00 ERA across 55 appearances, solidifying his role in the bullpen as a reliable middle innings arm.
Sam Haggerty
Haggerty, who proved valuable until a late-season foot injury, is projected for $1.4 million. His versatility and ability to contribute in various roles make him a likely candidate to return in 2026 after a season that saw him hit .253 with two home runs and 13 RBIs.
Ezequiel Duran
Also projected for $1.4 million in his first arbitration year, Duran’s performance was inconsistent, but he showed promise in the latter part of the season. His ability to produce with regular playing time could keep him in the Rangers’ plans, although he may also serve as a trade chip.
Josh Sborz
Finally, Sborz, who made a memorable contribution by recording the final out of the 2023 World Series, is in his last year of arbitration with a projected salary of $1.1 million. However, his future remains uncertain, as he missed all of the previous season, raising questions about his role moving forward.
As the Texas Rangers weigh their options, the decisions made regarding these nine players could set the tone for their financial strategy and roster composition as they move into the 2026 season. The interplay of performance, contract negotiations, and potential trades will undoubtedly shape the team’s future direction.
