The Texas Rangers are facing a pivotal moment in their pitching strategy, and it’s one that could define their season. With a dominant top three in their rotation, the question now is: who will step up as the fifth starter? But here’s where it gets intriguing—the Rangers have a mix of promising prospects, versatile veterans, and potential comeback stories vying for the spot. Let’s dive into the options and explore why this decision is far from straightforward.
The Rangers’ rotation is already a force to be reckoned with. Left-hander MacKenzie Gore, acquired in a trade with the Nationals, joins Jacob deGrom and Nathan Eovaldi to form a trio that could dominate the league—provided they stay healthy. Jack Leiter, a former top prospect, solidified his place as the fourth starter after a strong showing in his first full season at the major league level. But the fifth spot? That’s where things get murky.
Last season, Texas’ starting pitchers led the league with a stellar 3.41 ERA. However, the team now faces the challenge of replacing a significant number of reliable innings. Veterans like Patrick Corbin, Tyler Mahle, and Merrill Kelly—all of whom made substantial contributions—are no longer with the team. And this is the part most people miss: the Rangers’ depth will be tested in 2026.
Let’s break down the contenders for the fifth starter role:
Kumar Rocker: The High-Pedigree Prospect
Kumar Rocker, the third overall pick in the 2022 draft, is the obvious favorite on paper. At 26, he’s a highly touted talent who, despite a rough start to the year with 18 earned runs in 20 innings, showed glimpses of potential. A shoulder injury sidelined him in April, but he returned to make nine starts in June and July, posting a 4.67 ERA. Advanced metrics like his 4.14 xFIP and 4.34 SIERA suggest he was better than his ERA indicated. But here’s the catch: Rocker hasn’t yet proven he can consistently perform at the highest level. Will this spring be his breakthrough moment?
Jacob Latz: The Versatile Lefty
Jacob Latz was Texas’ Swiss Army Knife last season, excelling in both starting and relief roles. The 29-year-old lefty made eight starts and 25 relief appearances, including a quality start and a three-inning save in the same week. His 2.84 ERA in 85 2/3 innings is impressive, though his xERA and SIERA above 4.00 suggest some regression is possible. But here’s where it gets controversial: can Latz transition into a full-time starter, or is he better suited for the bullpen? His three-pitch mix—fastball, changeup, and slider—plus an occasional curveball, gives him the depth to start, but the Rangers might hesitate to disrupt his versatility.
Cal Quantrill, Austin Gomber, and Nabil Crismatt: The Veteran Depth
The Rangers signed these veterans to minor league deals, primarily as depth options. Quantrill struggled in 2025 with an ERA over 6.00 across 26 starts, while Gomber was cut by the Rockies after a rough season. Crismatt showed promise with a 2.70 ERA in his first six games with the Diamondbacks but faltered in his final outing. Are any of these veterans capable of stepping into the rotation if Rocker falters or Latz remains in the bullpen? It’s a long shot, but stranger things have happened in baseball.
Bringing Back Patrick Corbin: The Comeback Story
Patrick Corbin’s revival in Texas was one of the most surprising stories of 2025. After four dismal years in Washington, he posted an ERA under 4.00 through July, backed by strong underlying metrics. His performance dipped in the final months, but he still delivered a respectable season. Here’s the bold question: could Corbin, at 34, be the reliable fifth starter the Rangers need? His familiarity with the team and minimal financial commitment make him an intriguing option.
Final Thoughts and a Question for You
The Rangers’ fifth starter spot is a puzzle with no clear solution. Rocker has the pedigree, Latz the versatility, and Corbin the experience. But which path should Texas take? Is it worth betting on Rocker’s potential, trusting Latz to step into a new role, or bringing back Corbin for stability? And here’s a controversial take: could the Rangers surprise everyone by going in a completely different direction? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—who do you think should be the fifth starter, and why?
