Troubling Texas Rangers news on ownership’s plans for offseason spending,

The Rangers were an improbable World Series champion last year, making the playoffs with a 90-72 record after a six-year drought. Texas retained the majority of its championship-winning roster, hoping to be one of the greatest MLB clubs in 2024. Texas’ payroll decreased somewhat year after year, from $251.332 million in 2023 to $225.545 million this season. The squad finished 78-84, with a -55 run differential and a 39-60 record against winning opponents (MLB.com). The Rangers’ all-in season suddenly broke apart, preventing them from being buyers before the MLB trade deadline. Months later, with many key players due to hit MLB free agency, it appears Texas is preparing to cut back even further. According to Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News, Rangers owner Ray Davis’ major goal this summer is to bring the franchise under the $241 million luxury tax threshold. It is intended to lessen the potential financial penalty of exceeding the luxury tax limit for the third consecutive year. According to MLBTradeRumors.com, Texas only faced a $1.8 million penalty for exceeding the luxury tax in 2023. This season, the team’s fine is expected to be less than $15 million. Texas Rangers free agents include Max Scherzer, Andrew Heaney, Kirby Yates, Jose Leclerc, David Robertson ($7 million option), and Andrew Chafin ($6.5 million club option).
According to FanGaphs’ Roster Resource, the Rangers’ payroll obligations for the 2025 season were already $165 million as of late October. Based on the additional money owing through arbitration and the tens of millions paid to retain several pitching staff members, it’s quite possible that several of the Rangers’ top free agents will not return in 2025.