Last season, the Texas Rangers' 2025 starting rotation was the best in the history of the franchise.

Despite multiple injuries, no matter who stepped into the rotation put up strong performances and kept the line rolling.

The 2026 season will be a little different as the rotation has most of the same pieces but will be losing some innings.

Diamond-in-the-rough starter Patrick Corbin will not be back this season, as well as trade deadline acquisition Merrill Kelly moving on.

However, the Rangers will be getting back an All-Star to fill the void to try to help them maintain their rotation's elite status.

Earlier this winter, the Rangers acquired 2025 All-Star MacKenzie Gore to slide in behind Jacob deGrom and Nathan Eovaldi.

Gore was electric in the first half of last season before falling off a bit in the second half due to shoulder issues.

However, the Rangers feel that with their pitching medical staff, they can keep Gore healthy throughout 2026.

Gore features an elite pitch mix with a fastball, slider, and curveball that all can get hitters out at a high rate.

Sliding in behind deGrom and Eovaldi will give the Rangers one of the best 1-2-3’s in all of baseball.

Looking forward, if they can make it to the postseason, then the top of the rotation will certainly give Rangers opponents fits, and Gore will be a key piece of that.

Something to watch for is if the Rangers can work with Gore to hammer out a contract extension at some point.

Of course, the more pressing matter will be if Gore can help lead Texas back to the postseason for the first time since winning it all in 2023.

A large factor in that will be if the offense can bounce back, produce at a high level, and put up enough runs to support the pitching staff.

The bullpen will also be a question mark, so it’s certain that the rotation needs to be the Rangers' strength this season.

The rotation is certainly a group that has the names needed to be the Rangers' driving force in 2026.

Gore and his fellow pitchers will report to Spring Training this week with Opening Day less than 50 days away.

There is no doubt the expectations for the Rangers aren’t exactly through the roof, but neither were they when Texas won it all in 2023.

They will hope to bring forth some of that same magic in 2026.

Don't miss out on our ROUNDTABLE community and the latest news!

It's completely free to join. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members.

Download the free Roundtable APP, and stay even more connected!