The Texas Rangers are making strategic moves to bolster their bullpen for Opening Day, and the recent acquisition of left-handed reliever Jalen Beeks is a key component of that plan. The organization isn’t bringing Beeks in to gradually work his way back into form; rather, the expectation is that he will be ready to contribute immediately on Opening Day. This signing also served a secondary purpose: to free up a spot on the 40-man roster. Upon announcing Beeks’ deal, the Rangers designated pitcher Alexis Diaz for assignment, signaling the apparent end of his tenure with the team. The Rangers opted for Beeks’ recent performance history over a more speculative reclamation project, believing his immediate impact will be a significant asset.
The Rangers have structured Beeks’ contract as a Major League deal, indicating their confidence that he will secure a spot on the team. He is coming off what appears to be his most successful season in the majors, having recorded a career-high 14 holds in 2025 while playing for Arizona. During that season, he posted a 5-3 record with a 3.77 earned run average across 61 appearances. His ability to miss bats was evident, as he struck out 47 batters while issuing only 20 walks in 57.1 innings pitched.
Assessing the Remaining Bullpen Spots
With Beeks slotted into the bullpen, the focus shifts to filling the remaining seven spots. Manager Skip Schumaker has indicated his intention to give Robert Garcia and Chris Martin significant opportunities early in spring training, particularly in late-inning situations and potential save opportunities. It is highly probable that both of these right-handed pitchers will make the Opening Day roster. Beeks is expected to serve as a left-handed setup man, bridging the gap to Garcia and Martin.
Tyler Alexander, a product of TCU and a recent offseason acquisition by the Rangers on a Major League deal, has performed well enough this spring to be considered a near-certainty for a roster spot. This right-handed pitcher has a demonstrated ability to pitch multiple innings, logging 97.2 innings over 52 appearances last season. While he may not be the primary one-inning setup man, his value in the early part of the season will lie in his capacity to absorb innings that starting pitchers are unable to complete.
Right-handed pitcher Cole Winn’s performance this spring has not been as stellar, but his success in the Rangers’ bullpen last season suggests he is likely to secure an Opening Day roster spot. Winn posted an impressive 1.51 ERA in 33 games last year and could potentially fill the role of a right-handed one-inning setup man.
Left-handed pitcher Jacob Latz is also expected to make the team, whether as a starter or a reliever. A significant question mark remains regarding the starting rotation: if Latz is selected as the fifth starter, what will be the role of Kumar Rocker? Will he transition to the bullpen, or will he be optioned to Triple-A? If Latz is ultimately assigned to the bullpen, it would leave Texas with two remaining openings to fill.
Exploring 40-Man Roster Options and Non-Roster Invitees
Among the players currently on the 40-man roster, several are in contention for these final bullpen spots. Jakob Junis and Luis Curvelo are candidates, as is Carter Baumler. Baumler has had the most impressive spring training performance of the three. As a Rule 5 draft pick, he must make the Opening Day roster or be offered back to his original team. Junis’s spring training ERA currently sits above 4.00, but his extensive experience with over 200 MLB appearances could make him a valuable veteran presence. Curvelo has enjoyed a solid spring, limiting opposing batters to a .190 batting average.
The Rangers also have two potential additions from the pool of non-roster invitees. Peyton Gray has been excellent in relief appearances, showcasing his potential with 12 strikeouts. Notably, Gray has yet to make his Major League debut. The other non-roster invitee is Ryan Brasier. The former Cubs reliever has demonstrated strong form in March, allowing no runs in four relief appearances after a somewhat slow start to his spring. His ability to bounce back and contribute could make him a valuable asset to the bullpen.
