Nolan Writin

Can Brandon Nimmo catch just one break this season, please? The Texas Rangers' key offseason acquisition in the Marcus Semien deal with the New York Mets has amazing power statistics on Baseball Savant, but doesn't have the numbers to match. He has been the victim of more than a little bad luck that, if it were to turn and go his way for a while, would make his overall production at the plate look completely different.

The next 60 games will be huge for these players Jul 12, 2026; Arlington, Texas, USA; Texas Rangers designated hitter Joc Pederson (3) hits an two-run double against the Houston Astros during the second inning at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect There are a handful of Ranger players who have a lot riding on the second half as the team battles for a postseason berth.

Right-handed power hitters are an area of need for the majority of potential buyers at the trade deadline on August 3. The Cincinnati Reds are 43-52 and have such a player who has been tied to the Texas Rangers in recent rumors. Former GM and baseball insider Jim Bowden believes that utility man extraordinaire Spencer Steer would look good in a Ranger uniform and that they should make a concerted effort to acquire him.

The Texas Rangers got shelled by the Atlanta Braves last night, starting the second half of the season in the worst way possible. The good feelings from the run heading into the All-Star break were dampened in a flash. A few things became clear: the team is currently lacking in both the lineup and the bullpen when facing high-end competition. However, we might not be far off from some reinforcements coming back to help elevate both units.

As the dust settles on the 2026 MLB Draft and hopes are high for the new crop of youngsters, it's important to remember that we're a long way away from having any sort of certainty as to how these shiny new prospects will perform. So while you're tallying up the number of steals the Texas Rangers landed, think of Jonathan Ornelas as a cautionary tale.

One thing that we, along with several other outlets, have harped on over the last several weeks as the trade deadline approaches is that the Rangers need to upgrade at the catcher position if they want to seriously compete for postseason play. The club has been really bad at backstop, both offensively and defensively. Big offseason signing Danny Jansen has been MIA with a right forearm strain for the last two months and unproductive when he plays.

It might seem hard to believe, but the second half of the 2026 season is upon us. The Texas Rangers have positioned themselves nicely for a successful stretch run, coming out of the All-Star break sitting at 49-47, good for first place in the highly competitive AL West. The Rangers have a big test awaiting them, with the second half opening up in Atlanta against the NL East-leading Braves.

The Houston Astros have dealt Lance McCullers Jr. to the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for Jaydn Fielder, the son of former Ranger slugger Prince Fielder. It is clearly a move that is intended to trim payroll and give the Astros more flexibility as the August 3 deadline looms large. McCullers Jr. is due $17 million in the final year of his 5-year, $85 million contract, waiving his no-trade clause to get the deal done.

After he was called up last September, Alejandro Osuna showed a fiery, energetic passion that earned him the moniker of "little rascal" alongside Cody Freeman. Due to more injuries to players like Wyatt Langford and Evan Carter, Osuna has seen even more playing time in 2026 and has endeared himself to the Rangers' fanbase with his scrappy play and willingness to work deep into counts.

ESPN's Jeff Passan has listed LA Dodgers catcher Dalton Rushing as the Rangers' "dream match" at the trade deadline, citing the team's lack of a quality hitting backstop. It seems far-fetched, hence the "dream" aspect of Passan's projection, but what if the Rangers actually did pursue the up-and-coming Dodger catcher who has upped his game, getting regular playing time because of an injury to starter and All-Star Will Smith?