The Texas Rangers will attempt to reshape their roster after missing the postseason for the third consecutive year, although the scale of their expected changes remains uncertain.

Texas will likely operate under the same financial restrictions it faced last offseason, when president of baseball operations Chris Young needed to reduce payroll.

Those limitations could push Young to trade expensive players or release arbitration-eligible players who no longer fit the roster Texas wants to construct.

Several factors will determine who returns in 2027. Financial obligations will matter, but each player’s performance will also influence the decision.

The Rangers want a more versatile lineup and will place additional value on players capable of handling multiple positions or contributing in different situations.

Texas must also determine whether its minor league system contains MLB-ready players who can replace expensive veterans.

Jacob deGrom is one player whose future with the Rangers could become uncertain.

deGrom vetoed a potential trade to the Atlanta Braves at the deadline because he wanted to win with Texas. That desire should remain unchanged in 2027, but he will be coming off a season in which his performance declined significantly during the final six weeks.

He finished 11-11 with a 4.20 ERA and 1.14 WHIP in 162.2 innings over 31 starts. deGrom made at least 30 starts for the second consecutive season, but he will be 38 years old on Opening Day and is owed $37 million in the final year of his contract.

His agreement includes a no-trade clause. Teams may also hesitate to surrender premium prospects or MLB players while taking on his salary. Those costs substantially reduce the number of potential destinations.

deGrom went 1-2 with a 5.33 ERA and 1.19 WHIP in 25.1 innings over his last five starts.

In his final two, he went 0-2 with a 12.22 ERA and 2.47 WHIP in 8.1 innings, allowing 11 runs with seven strikeouts and seven walks while Texas attempted to overtake the Houston Astros in the American League West.

Two starts did not determine everything that occurred during a 162-game schedule. However, an ace falling below his established standard with the division at stake remains deeply disappointing.

deGrom’s preparation, competitive mentality and ability to attack hitters have defined his career, so deciding to part ways with him is not easy.

He also demonstrated improved durability by carrying a regular workload for a second consecutive year. That availability matters to a rotation that needs dependable innings.

His desire to remain in Texas reflects commitment, but the Rangers must decide whether that commitment outweighs the financial flexibility a trade could create.

deGrom can still provide leadership and credibility to the rotation. However, he must show that his late decline was temporary and that he can again deliver when Texas needs its ace most.