The Texas Rangers have spent several months examining an offense that has lacked consistency since their 2023 World Series title.

That search is understandable. Texas enters the offseason with several weaknesses to address, challenging decisions to make and potentially uncomfortable discussions awaiting the front office.

Josh Jung creates a different problem.

The Rangers understand what Jung can provide offensively. Their difficulty has been keeping him healthy long enough to deliver it consistently.

Jung hit .299 with 12 home runs, 42 RBIs and an .827 OPS in 104 games during 2026. His batting average and OPS established career highs, while his .365 OBP represented considerable improvement from the .294 mark he recorded in 2025.

His offensive development gives Texas legitimate optimism.

Jung hit .251 with 14 home runs, 61 RBIs and a mediocre .684 OPS over 131 games in 2025. He returned this season with a more complete approach and became one of the most dependable hitters in a Rangers lineup that desperately needed consistent production.

However, his performance came with an important limitation: Jung appeared in only 104 games.

A left calf injury sidelined him for 46 games during the second half. His eventual return quickly reminded Texas how much the lineup had missed him.

Jung performed exceptionally during the final stretch before another injury prematurely ended his season.

A pitch struck his right hand against the Minnesota Twins on Sept. 25, causing a fracture. Jung spent the remainder of the year watching from the dugout, continuing an increasingly familiar pattern throughout his MLB career.

His absences do not reflect poor preparation or insufficient commitment. A player cannot reasonably prevent being hit by a pitch, and baseball frequently creates setbacks through circumstances outside anyone’s control.

Unfortunate injuries nevertheless carry the same consequences.

Jung has surpassed 120 regular season games only twice during four complete MLB seasons. Texas cannot design its offense around the assumption that one of its most productive hitters will appear in approximately two-thirds of the schedule.

The Rangers should neither abandon Jung nor immediately search for his replacement. His performance warrants every opportunity to remain central to the batting order.

Texas must still create a dependable contingency plan and manage his workload carefully.

Jung’s improved plate discipline demonstrates his willingness to adjust rather than remain satisfied with previous production. He became more selective, reached base more consistently and gave the lineup a hitter capable of sustaining rallies.

His response after the calf injury also showed resilience. Jung returned without allowing the lengthy absence to prevent him from producing immediately.

The Rangers know he can help solve their offensive problems. Their responsibility is to surround him with sufficient depth so another injury does not destabilize the lineup.

Jung has already proven he belongs at its center. Completing an entire season remains the challenge separating his potential from dependable long-term production.