Texas Rangers Finalize 2026 Deals With Four Infielders, Complete Arbitration Slate

Overview

• The club announced 2026 agreements with infielders Josh Jung, Jake Burger, Josh Smith and Ezequiel Duran before Thursday’s arbitration deadline.
• Texas said the signings mean every arbitration-eligible player on its major-league roster is now under contract for 2026.
• Jung, Burger and Smith are projected as regulars at third, first and second base, with Duran in a utility or platoon role and shortstop cover given Corey Seager’s injury history.
• Questions persist on performance and health after Jung and Burger endured 2025 slumps that led to Triple-A demotions, with Burger also undergoing offseason surgery on his left wrist.
• The Rangers also added pitching depth by signing right-handers Nabil Crismatt and Patrick Murphy to minor-league contracts with invitations to spring training.