Rangers Roundup: Texas Baseball Retools for 2026, New York Hockey Seeks Answers Amid Struggles
USA DAILY SPORTS DESK, January 17, 2026 – The name “Rangers” carries weight in two major professional sports leagues, with both the Texas Rangers (MLB) and New York Rangers (NHL) making headlines. In Arlington, the baseball club is finalizing its roster ahead of spring training following an 81-81 campaign. Meanwhile, on Broadway, the hockey team faces mounting challenges during a difficult 2025-26 season, prompting management to signal a “retool” is underway.
Texas Rangers: Offseason Transactions and 2025 Review
The Texas Rangers finished the 2025 MLB season with an even 81-81 record, placing third in the American League West. The team’s strength was its pitching staff, which posted a league-best 3.47 ERA, but offensive struggles (.234 team average, 26th in MLB) held them back from contention.
President of Baseball Operations Chris Young has been active this offseason, securing several players to arbitration deals and adding veteran depth. The club avoided arbitration with infielders Josh Jung, Josh Smith, Ezequiel Duran, and Jake Burger (wrist), while also bringing back key reliever Chris Martin on a one-year contract. New additions include catcher Danny Jansen (two years, $14.5 million), relievers Alexis Diaz and Tyler Alexander, and minor-league signings like Nabil Crismatt and Andrew Velazquez.
A significant storyline is the potential positional flexibility of young star Wyatt Langford. Manager Skip Schumaker has indicated Langford, who hit 22 home runs and stole 22 bases in 2025, could see time in center field next season depending on roster construction and Evan Carter’s (wrist) health.
Texas Rangers: Key 2025 Stats & 2026 Spring Schedule
| Statistic | 2025 Rank/Total |
|---|---|
| Record (AL West) | 81-81 (3rd Place) |
| Team ERA | 3.47 (1st in MLB) |
| Team Batting Average | .234 (26th in MLB) |
| Home Runs | 175 (18th in MLB) |
| First Spring Training Game | Fri, Feb 20 vs. Kansas City (Surprise Stadium) |
New York Rangers: A Season of Struggle
The New York Rangers’ 2025-26 NHL campaign has been disappointing, with the team sitting at 20-22-6 (46 points) and in last place in the Metropolitan Division. The struggles prompted General Manager Chris Drury to publish a letter to fans this week, acknowledging their disappointment and stating the franchise will undergo a “retool,” explicitly noting it is “not a rebuild.”
The team is mired in a five-game losing streak, most recently an 8-4 defeat to the Ottawa Senators on Wednesday. Goaltending has been a major issue in the absence of injured star Igor Shesterkin (lower body). Veteran Jonathan Quick, who took over the starting role, is 0-9-2 in his last 11 appearances and was pulled after allowing six goals on 17 shots against Ottawa. Spencer Martin is set to make his first start of the season Saturday in Philadelphia.
New York Rangers: Metropolitan Division Standings & Key News
| Team | Record (Points) |
|---|---|
| Carolina Hurricanes | 29-15-4 (62 pts) |
| NY Islanders | 26-16-5 (57 pts) |
| Pittsburgh Penguins | 22-14-10 (54 pts) |
| Washington Capitals | 24-18-6 (54 pts) |
| New York Rangers | 20-22-6 (46 pts) |
Injury woes compound the on-ice issues. Alongside Shesterkin, the Rangers are without top defenseman Adam Fox (lower body) and Carson Soucy (personal matter). Rookie Gabe Perreault, who scored twice in the loss to Ottawa, represents a bright spot for the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the Texas Rangers contenders for the 2026 World Series?
Based on their 2025 performance and offseason moves, the Rangers appear to be retooling rather than making a championship push. Their elite pitching gives them a foundation, but significant offensive improvement is needed to compete in a tough AL West that includes Seattle and Houston.
What does a “retool” mean for the New York Rangers?
General Manager Chris Drury’s letter suggests the team will look to make strategic trades and roster adjustments to become competitive more quickly than a full “rebuild” would allow. This likely means exploring the trade market for veteran assets while integrating younger players like Perreault into larger roles. Reports indicate the team has declined to offer veteran winger Artemi Panarin a contract extension, signaling a potential shift.
When do the Texas Rangers start playing games?
Their 2026 Cactus League spring training schedule begins Friday, February 20, with a home game against the Kansas City Royals at Surprise Stadium in Surprise, Arizona. The regular season will begin in late March.
Who won the last Rangers vs. Senators game?
The Ottawa Senators defeated the New York Rangers 8-4 on Wednesday, January 14, at Madison Square Garden. Senators center Dylan Cozens led the way with a goal and two assists.