Nobody wanted the Rangers to be two games under .500 in early May. This team has brought out a lot of frustration, some similar, some different. Watching this offense can once again make you pull your hair out. But the defense has taken a step down from 2025, while the starting pitching is not producing at the same consistent level. It all adds up to a record of 19-21 and what was a four-series losing streak before taking two of three from the Chicago Cubs.
One factor has been evident since the season began – the Rangers are playing really good teams. They walk out of Sunday’s game vs. the Cubs with a top-three hardest schedule already played in baseball. Their opponents’ win percentage sits at .522. Only the Washington Nationals are higher in the metric.
From a scheduling standpoint, this is the point where we should feel like an exhale can take place. On paper, things are going to get a whole lot easier for the Rangers. They now have the easiest schedule remaining during the final 122 games. Winnable series are about to start popping up as things move into the back-end of May.
Unfortunately, the game is not played on paper. On-field results are needed from this team. To be honest, trusting them to do so remains in a ‘see it to believe it’ mindset. But the time to go is now. By June 1, the feeling surrounding Texas should be a whole lot different.
First up are the Arizona Diamondbacks, who are considered just under a league-average offense when it comes to OPS. Where the Rangers need to take advantage is offensively. Arizona’s ERA+ ranks 14th out of 15 in the National League at 92. Teams are putting up 4.9 runs per game against them.
Much of the same can be said of the Houston Astros, who are actually a pretty good team with the bats in their hands. However, they cannot pitch to save their lives. Using the same two stats, the Astros sit dead last in the American League in ERA+ (78) and give up an average of 5.6 runs per game.
I could do the same thing with the Colorado Rockies and Los Angeles Angels, who will follow on the schedule. You get the idea.
Here’s another aspect, though. Once you get past Arizona, the next nine games are all on the road. There is no Globe Life Park factor/excuse. In fact, Coors Field in downtown Denver is the easiest ballpark to produce offense in. Considering the opponents and the venues, there are going to be few to no acceptable reasons for not performing well.
The time to go is now. For the team, for a good chunk of individual players. Guys like Corey Seager, Jake Burger (once back from his time off), and even Evan Carter. In two weeks’ time, when Rangers Sports Network flashes some recent trends about their performances on the broadcast, eye-catching numbers are needed.
With how bad the American League is, the Rangers still have a wide-open door to have a successful 2026 season. Scheduling makes you believe the journey toward long-term success needs to begin on Monday night.