Rangers Face Payroll Pressure but Stars Expected to Stay

After two years of heavy spending and a World Series championship, the Texas Rangers enter this offseason facing a different kind of challenge: restraint. Industry insiders say the front office is preparing to reduce payroll and avoid escalating luxury-tax penalties, signaling a shift from the aggressive roster-building that defined their recent past. Yet even as trade speculation swirls, sources indicate that the team’s biggest stars — Corey Seager, Jacob deGrom, and Nathan Eovaldi — are expected to stay put.

Under new manager Skip Schumaker, Texas finds itself at a crossroads. The club’s payroll is projected to hover near the luxury-tax threshold of $241 million, according to The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal. Baseball Prospectus estimates the final figure closer to $238 million, though official totals have not yet been released by MLB. What’s clear is that another year above the limit would trigger steep financial penalties for a third straight season.

The Rangers paid $1.8 million in tax in 2023 and $10.8 million in 2024, with further increases looming if they remain over the threshold. Staying under the limit in 2026 would reset their tax rate — a move that could prove pivotal ahead of the next collective bargaining agreement. For a club balancing short-term competitiveness with long-term fiscal responsibility, this offseason may serve as a turning point.

That balancing act will require difficult decisions. Texas must navigate arbitration raises, aging contracts, and a need for roster depth — all while maintaining enough financial flexibility to remain competitive in the American League West.

1. Potential Cuts and Cost Management

To create room under the threshold, the Rangers are evaluating several cost-saving moves. Chief among them is the possibility of non-tendering All-Star outfielder Adolis García, who is projected to earn $12.1 million in arbitration, or catcher Jonah Heim, expected to make around $6 million. While parting with either would be unpopular, the front office faces mounting pressure to bring payroll closer to $190 million before accounting for free-agent additions, according to The Dallas Morning News. Texas also must weigh whether to retain its entire group of arbitration-eligible players beyond García and Heim. The decision could determine how much financial breathing room the club has to address more pressing needs later in the winter. Meanwhile, second baseman Marcus Semien — owed $72 million over the next three years — presents another challenge. Though his leadership and durability remain invaluable, his age (35) and contract size make him difficult to move without absorbing salary or taking back another large deal. President of Baseball Operations Chris Young, who spent aggressively to assemble the rotation that propelled Texas to its 2023 title, now faces the inverse dilemma: reducing costs without dismantling the team’s core. The front office is reportedly exploring creative financial maneuvers rather than headline trades, mindful of preserving the roster’s competitive spine. The Rangers’ situation reflects a broader trend across MLB — even successful teams are being forced to balance ambition with financial caution. For Texas, the goal appears to be trimming excess, not tearing down.

2. Untouchable Stars and Limited Trade Paths

While rumors have linked several big names to possible trades, insiders maintain that shortstop Corey Seager and right-handers Jacob deGrom and Nathan Eovaldi are all but untouchable. Seager, fresh off another strong offensive season, remains the lineup’s anchor and a franchise cornerstone. Meanwhile, deGrom and Eovaldi — who combined for a 2.43 ERA in 2025 — are under contract for roughly $62 million in 2026, each holding full no-trade clauses that further restrict the club’s flexibility. Moving either pitcher would not only be financially complex but also strategically risky. DeGrom’s health and Eovaldi’s veteran leadership form the backbone of a rotation that remains capable of competing when fully healthy. To trade one would mean assuming salary, taking back an unwanted contract, or weakening a staff that already lacks depth. Instead, Young and the front office are expected to explore smaller-scale adjustments. That could include clearing mid-level salaries, restructuring deals, or seeking minor trades that align with long-term goals. The club’s commitment to its core — even amid a push to manage payroll — suggests that the Rangers see 2025 as a recalibration year rather than a rebuild. For a franchise that spent years rebuilding before finally breaking through, protecting its competitive foundation remains the priority. Seager and deGrom, both under long-term deals, embody that stability — and the front office appears determined to keep it intact.

3. Looking Toward a Leaner Future

Even as financial constraints tighten, the Rangers are expected to pursue modest roster upgrades this winter. The team’s priorities include a back-end starter, bullpen reinforcements, and a right-handed hitting outfielder — all attainable goals if the front office manages its payroll efficiently. The key will be supplementing the roster without reentering luxury-tax territory. The Rangers’ path forward depends on discipline and creativity. After tasting championship success, ownership appears reluctant to sustain massive tax payments while maintaining a mid-tier on-field product. By strategically trimming payroll now, Texas can reset its financial flexibility and position itself for future spending once the tax penalties reset in 2026. Still, the tension between competing and cutting costs will define the months ahead. The Rangers’ core remains strong, but their margin for error — financially and competitively — is thinner than ever. Schumaker and Young must find a way to maintain competitiveness while managing expectations amid a tighter budget. The organization’s long-term vision remains centered on sustainable success. And though this offseason may lack blockbuster moves, it represents a critical step toward ensuring that the 2023 title run was not an anomaly, but the beginning of a lasting era in Texas baseball.