The timing may not work for this theory, but hear us out: We’re pretty sure when Alexander Pope wrote, “Hope springs eternal in the human breast,” in 1732, he was referring to the positive vibes that seem to be in grand supply this time of year for sports fans. Thanks to the excitement that the beginning of the Major League Baseball season brings, it’s easy for fans of almost every MLB team to feel like it’s their year.
And wouldn't you know it, Rangers fans who think 2025 might again be their year aren’t delusional in the least. We’re not talking about Manager Bruce Bochy’s intriguing history of only winning World Series titles in odd-numbered years, either. Sure, he’s won four trophies, but there have been more than plenty of odd-numbered years his teams haven't won it all.
The team that will take the field Thursday for its opening day game against the Boston Red Sox is not all that different from the squad that finally brought a championship to Arlington. Not only are many key players returning, but vital cogs that were injured last year are healthy now. Added to that is the fact that the Houston Astros, the team that has dominated the American League West for nearly a decade, is predicted by many to be in for a down year after trading away some of their key players and letting others leave via free agency. We're not so sure about that, but we'll take any reason to have hope.
Here are some of the main questions facing the Texas Rangers ahead of the 2025 season:
Who Have the Rangers Lost, and Are There Any New Players?
Let’s start with a playoff hero who will not be with the team to start the season at least. Young outfielder Evan Carter electrified fans during the 2023 title run but suffered through injuries last year. The club announced this week he’ll begin the year in the minor leagues after not showing enough improvement during spring training. 2024 closer Kirby Yates is wholly gone after signing with the Los Angeles Dodgers in the offseason, which means the Rangers do not have a proven solution in that vital role entering the regular season. The addition of catcher Kyle Higashioka and big hitters Jake Burger and Joc Pederson add an enviable amount of depth to the Rangers roster. Though they aren't new to the Rangers organization, prized pitching prospects Jack Leiter and Kumar Rocker are new to the big league team’s Opening Day roster. Mixing them in with the veteran arms ensconced in the starting rotation could easily be the biggest positive story of the year for the Rangers or the biggest disappointment.
Prepped to perfection. pic.twitter.com/Voh2fon3jq
— Texas Rangers (@Rangers) March 26, 2025
Are Any of the Injured Stars From Last Year Finally Healthy?
As much as any other reason, the sizable group of healthy stars makes the Rangers a promising team this season. Jacob deGrom, the high-priced pitcher who missed all of last season recovering from Tommy John surgery, is all set to play. 2023 ALCS MVP Adolis Garcia was hampered through much of 2024 with a patella tendon injury, yet has declared himself to be in great shape for 2025. Although all-star Corey Seager is dealing with a slight calf issue leading up to Opening Day, he has fully recovered from the sports hernia surgery that caused him to miss a massive chunk of last season. Should I Bet on the Rangers This Year?
Why not? Aside from sports betting not being legal in Texas, of course, there’s not much else to deter you. The Rangers are not the odds-on favorite to win the World Series this year, but Vegas seems to like them a good bit regardless. According to the top Sin City bookmakers, Texas is in the top quarter of MLB teams in terms of World Series odds. With odds ranging from +2200 to +2000, they’re not a sure thing, of course, but they are far from being the lowly Chicago White Sox and their +50,000 odds. You can certainly win some legit money without taking a massive risk.
Can The Rangers Win The World Series This Year?
If 2023’s improbable playoff run taught us anything, it is, yes, the Rangers can absolutely win it all this year. Now that it’s happened, there’s no reason for anyone to be surprised. But as the betting odds indicate, grabbing the trophy will likely mean a playoff upset or two will be involved in the journey. But unlike the Vegas oddsmakers, some experts in the national media fully expect Texas to be right there, ready to compete for the championship at the end of the season. Both the staff at MLB.com and ESPN have picked the Rangers to face off against the reigning champion Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series. However, both expert panels have picked the Dodgers to beat the Rangers.
How Can I Watch the Rangers on TV?
In this (almost) post-cable TV era where streaming apps and cord-cutting continue to rise, the Rangers have become the latest in a growing line of pro sports franchises who now handle their own local broadcasts in-house. The Rangers Sports Network will now be the TV and streaming home for non-nationally broadcast Rangers games. For those hoping to catch Rangers games without having to pay extra, you will need to have service through DirecTV, U-Verse, Spectrum, Fubo or Astound. Should you not have access to one of those providers, you can sign up to watch the games via Victory+, the direct-to-consumer streaming service also used by the Dallas Stars. Unlike the Stars games that are free to watch, however, viewers will be charged $100 for the entire season.
