Texas Rangers Eye Cody Bellinger Amid Offseason Restructuring
As Major League Baseball’s free agency opens its doors, the Texas Rangers are poised to make significant moves aimed at reshaping their roster for the 2026 season. With a focus on both cutting payroll and infusing youth into the team, the Rangers find themselves in a precarious but intriguing position regarding potential acquisitions, including one high-profile name: Cody Bellinger.
Rangers’ Strategic Shift
The Rangers are on a mission to revamp their roster. Chris Young, the team’s president of baseball operations, has emphasized a dual strategy of financial prudence and youthfulness. The challenge lies in balancing these objectives while exploring avenues to enhance the team’s competitiveness. Among the names circulating in trade discussions is Bellinger, who has emerged as a top-tier free agent. MLB Trade Rumors ranks him as the eighth best free agent available, projecting a lucrative five-year contract worth $140 million—an average annual value of $28 million.
The Case for Signing Bellinger
Bellinger’s journey in the league has seen its share of ups and downs. Once a celebrated figure with the Los Angeles Dodgers, his career hit a snag. After a challenging 2022 season that saw him hit just .210 with 19 home runs, he was non-tendered by the Dodgers. However, his resurgence with the Chicago Cubs and the New York Yankees has reignited interest in his talent. Over the past three seasons, Bellinger has posted a commendable .281 batting average, alongside 73 home runs and 273 RBIs. His return to form earned him a Silver Slugger award and a spot in the Top 10 of the NL MVP voting in 2023.
Bellinger’s left-handed swing would be a perfect fit for the right field at Globe Life Field, adding much-needed versatility to the Rangers’ lineup. His ability to cover multiple positions, including outfield, first base, and designated hitter, adds depth to the team. Notably, he has played at least 130 games in each of the last four seasons, suggesting that the injury concerns that once plagued him may be behind him.
Navigating Financial Constraints
While the allure of signing Bellinger is clear, the financial implications present a formidable obstacle. Young made it clear in October that the organization is under strict orders to cut costs. With a projected veteran payroll of nearly $149.7 million already allocated to just six players for 2026, the Rangers find themselves in a tight squeeze. Spotrac estimates the total payroll could soar to around $191.9 million, assuming no roster adjustments are made.
To accommodate a potential contract for Bellinger, the Rangers would need to execute a series of strategic financial maneuvers. Options include:
Non-tendering outfielder Adolis Garcia and catcher Jonah Heim, potentially saving about $18 million.
Trading first baseman Jake Burger, whose arbitration eligibility could shed an additional $3.5 million.
Exploring the trade market for Marcus Semien, who is due $25 million in 2026.
These moves would allow the Rangers to absorb the remaining financial burden of Bellinger’s contract while potentially bolstering their roster.
A Complex Path Ahead
The ambition to sign Bellinger comes with its challenges. While the rationale for pursuing him is compelling—his impact could elevate the Rangers’ offense—the financial gymnastics required to make it happen complicate matters. At 30 years old, a five-year contract would take Bellinger through his age 35 season, prompting questions about the long-term implications of such a deal.
Ultimately, while the prospect of bringing Bellinger to Texas tantalizes fans and analysts alike, the path to securing his services feels more like a distant dream than an imminent reality. For a team looking to balance competitiveness and fiscal responsibility, the Rangers’ pursuit of Bellinger exemplifies the delicate dance of modern baseball management.
