9 Rangers Who Won’t Return for a Repeat World Series Run in 2024

The Texas Rangers exceeded any expectations this season, capping off the campaign as World Series champions. While the fanbase will celebrate this postseason run for months to go, Rangers management doesn’t have that luxury.

After all, the World Series’ end means the MLB offseason has officially gone. Running it back with the same Texas roster would be ideal, but that might not happen due to the offseason’s unpredictability. There’s a good chance that many familiar faces won’t be back next season for one reason or another.

Here are nine Rangers who won’t be on Texas’ roster once the 2024 MLB season begins.

1. Andrew Heaney

After spending the first nine seasons of his MLB career with four different clubs, Andrew Heaney joined the Rangers on a two-year deal back in December. The first year of his contract was worth $12 million with a $13 million player option for 2024.

Heaney lived up to his contract more often than not, recording a career-high 10 wins (with six losses) while tallying a 4.15 ERA and 151 strikeouts across 147 1/3 innings in 34 games (28 starts). While some Rangers fans wouldn’t mind having that level of production on his player option, don’t count on that happening.

For starters, the World Series run only increased Heaney’s trade value. Few players ever make it this far in the offseason, meaning the 32-year-old could potentially decline his option in favor of a bigger payday. After all, he’s at the stage of his career where there may not be many more around the corner.

If Heaney does get a significant pay boost, it’s possible the Rangers won’t be willing to match what an opposing suitor might offer. There aren’t a ton of top-tier starting pitchers in this year’s free-agent class, adding to the possibility of a bidding war over the Oklahoma City native.

Unless he’s willing to accept his option or take a pay cut to stay in the Lone Star State, Heaney could be playing elsewhere in 2024.

2. Mitch Garver

After two seasons with the Rangers, Mitch Garver is set to hit free agency this offseason.

The 32-year-old DH/catcher has been a reliable batter over the last two seasons. Although Jonah Heim’s presence has limited his opportunities, Garver has still racked up 29 home runs and 74 RBIs across 141 games since 2022. I wouldn’t be surprised if an interesting party looked at those numbers and thought that he has what it takes to be a full-time starter.

After playing for $3.9 million this season, chances are Garver will look to cash in on a payday this offseason. While the Rangers would probably be happy to have him back, I doubt they’d be willing to go to a bidding war over him.

As great as Garver has looked at times, it’s important to remember that he’s only played at least 100 games once in a season and that was when he played just 102 in 2018. The Rangers shouldn’t overpay for a player who rarely plays half the season, regardless of how good he looks when he does suit up.

Locking Garver down for multiple years could be risky, so let’s let that be another team’s problem.

3. Aroldis Chapman

Aroldis Chapman was acquired by the Rangers at the end of June as a part of a three-player deal with the Kansas City Royals. His regular-season run with Texas went decently, going 2-3 with a 3.72 ERA and four saves while averaging 15.5 strikeouts per nine innings across 30 relief appearances.

But fast forward to the postseason and the veteran flame-thrower has taken his play to the next level.

Having made seven relief appearances in the playoffs, Chapman pitched to a 1.42 ERA while striking out four batters with one hit allowed across 6 1/3 innings. His history — which includes a 2016 World Series ring — already proved that he was a postseason performer, but his latest run solidified that he still deserves that reputation in his mid-30s.

I like what Chapman has brought to the table, but I’m also a realistic thinker. Chapman is still a great reliever, but he also isn’t the same player who made seven MLB All-Star appearances from 2012 to 2021. It’s going to be tough to justify bringing him back if he hopes for a big raise above the $3.75 million he made this season.

While a team-friendly contract is always a possibility, don’t count on the Rangers bringing Chapman back if he’s hoping to pad his bank account.

4. Jordan Montgomery
The Rangers were active ahead of this year’s trade deadline, which included acquiring Jordan Montgomery (and Chris Stratton) in a deal with the St. Louis Cardinals.

Montgomery made an immediate impact upon joining Texas. The former Gamecock went 4-2 with a 2.79 ERA in six regular-season starts before going 3-1 with a 2.90 ERA in seven postseason appearances, playing a key role in the Rangers making the World Series.

I’m sure a good chunk of the fanbase would love for Montgomery to return, but don’t hold your breath. After all, his tremendous Texas tenure has resulted in a $18.4 million market value, according to Spotrac.

Even with how well Montgomery has played, that’s a lot of money to commit to one player after only a little more than four months with the organization. That’s the type of money that a club desperate for pitching would likely pay and I wouldn’t want the Rangers to commit that mistake.

And with how few top-level pitchers will be on the open market, it’s entirely possible that Montgomery could wind up with an even bigger average annual value. If that’s the case, the Rangers are better off looking for cheaper replacement options.

5. Chris Stratton

Although it might be hard to say goodbye to Montgomery if he leaves, the same can’t be said for Chris Stratton.