Rangers Expect 2027 Payroll to Stay Near This Season’s Level
On November 2, Chris Young, who leads baseball operations for the Texas club, said it expects its 2027 payroll to be close to its 2026 level. The club is prioritizing bullpen improvements while navigating substantial existing contracts.
The Texas Rangers expect to spend at a level “very similar” to their 2026 payroll in 2027, president of baseball operations Chris Young said on November 2. The outlook offers more room to maneuver than a further round of cuts would, though it does not point to a major spending increase.
Texas had reduced payroll last offseason after paying the league’s competitive balance tax for three consecutive years. Young has also said he wants to build a younger, more athletic and versatile team for 2027. The Rangers did not re-sign their free agents, and three players—Joc Pederson, Jakob Junis and Kyle Higashioka, respectively a designated hitter, pitcher and catcher—declined mutual options.
Still, four major contracts are set to account for more than $100 million next season: pitchers Jacob deGrom and Nathan Eovaldi, shortstop Corey Seager and outfielder Brandon Nimmo. Texas could trade one of them, and deGrom and Seager have drawn inquiries, but the payroll outlook does not require the team to move a player unless it gets a strong return.
Young has identified bullpen improvement as his top offseason priority. The Rangers claimed right-hander Jose Butto off waivers on November 2; he missed most of 2026 because of a blood clot in his arm and is expected to be ready for 2027. Meanwhile, a new collective bargaining agreement is due by December 1 to avert an expected owners’ lockout, with the possibility of disruption to the 2027 schedule.