In the quest for a fifth starter, the Texas Rangers have taken significant steps to strengthen their pitching lineup. With the recent acquisition of left-handed pitcher MacKenzie Gore from the Nationals, the team has set a solid foundation at the top of their rotation. Gore will join forces with established stars Jacob deGrom and Nathan Eovaldi, creating a formidable trio—provided they maintain their health throughout the season. Additionally, former top prospect Jack Leiter has shown promise during his first full season in the majors, likely securing the fourth spot in the rotation. However, the situation becomes less clear when considering who will fill the fifth slot.
Last season, Texas's starting pitchers led the league with an impressive 3.41 ERA, but heading into 2026, there is a pressing need to replace a considerable amount of dependable innings. Veteran Patrick Corbin, who tied with deGrom for the most starts on the team with 30, is now a free agent. Similarly, Tyler Mahle and trade deadline acquisition Merrill Kelly have both departed through free agency, leaving the Rangers with some gaps to fill.
As we explore potential candidates to complete the rotation, let’s start with Kumar Rocker.
Kumar Rocker
Rocker is arguably the leading contender for the fifth starter position thanks to his impressive pedigree. The 26-year-old was selected as the third overall pick in the 2022 draft, showcasing his high expectations. According to Eric Longenhagen and James Fegan of FanGraphs, Rocker ranked just behind Sebastian Walcott among Rangers prospects midway through last season, despite a rocky start where he allowed 18 earned runs over 20 innings. He faced some setbacks with a shoulder issue that put him on the Injured List in late April.
After recovering, Rocker made nine starts during June and July, achieving a 4.67 ERA. Nevertheless, advanced metrics suggest he performed better than those numbers indicate, with a 4.14 xFIP and a 4.34 SIERA. Despite his inconsistency at the highest level, he still has the opportunity to secure a spot in the rotation during spring training.
Jacob Latz
Another interesting option is Jacob Latz, who proved his versatility last season by taking on a variety of roles. The 29-year-old left-hander made eight starts alongside 25 relief appearances, demonstrating his ability to adapt. He achieved a commendable 2.84 ERA over 85 and two-thirds innings. However, it’s worth noting that his underlying metrics show an xERA and SIERA above 4.00, which suggests caution in setting expectations. Latz's three-pitch mix—which includes a fastball, changeup, and slider, complemented by a curveball against right-handed hitters—has served him well. His dominant fastball held opponents to a .193 batting average and generated a remarkable +11 Run Value. With a changeup that produced whiffs at over a 40% rate, Latz appears poised to carve out a meaningful role on the team.
Cal Quantrill, Austin Gomber, and Nabil Crismatt
The Rangers have also brought in seasoned veterans like Cal Quantrill, Austin Gomber, and Nabil Crismatt on minor league contracts. These players will provide depth in case of injuries, and one of them could step into the rotation if Rocker struggles during spring and the team opts to keep Latz in the bullpen.
Quantrill had a tough season in 2025, playing for both the Marlins and Braves while posting an ERA exceeding 6.00 across 26 starts. He concluded the season in the Rangers’ minor league system. Gomber faced challenges as well, having been released by the Rockies after a disappointing run in a dozen starts, before signing with the Cubs on a minor league deal without making it to the majors. On the other hand, Crismatt demonstrated some effectiveness last year, achieving a 2.70 ERA in his first six outings with the Diamondbacks, although his final appearance left a sour note due to a poor performance.
The Case for Re-signing Corbin
Finally, one potential route for the Rangers could be to bring back Patrick Corbin. The veteran lefty enjoyed a career resurgence during his single season with the Rangers after enduring a challenging final chapter with the Nationals. Corbin was one of the standout surprises in the first half of 2025, maintaining an ERA below 4.00 through July, supported by strong underlying metrics. Although his performance dipped in the last two months of the season, his overall contributions were respectable. Given how well he thrived in Texas, the team may consider re-signing him at a minimal cost—an option they should seriously contemplate.
As the Rangers head into this offseason, the search for a fifth starter poses both challenges and opportunities. Who do you think should take the fifth spot in the rotation? Will it be Rocker, Latz, or perhaps a different candidate altogether? Share your thoughts in the comments!
