Texas Rangers Ready for 2026 Push as Spring Training Opens Feb. 20

January 23, 2026 – As anticipation builds for the 2026 baseball season, the Texas Rangers are gearing up to take the field for spring training beginning Friday, February 20 in Surprise, Arizona, marking the start of a crucial preseason for a club looking to return to contention.

KSST will be broadcasting Texas Ranger games all season.

Under new manager Skip Schumaker — who took over following the departure of Bruce Bochy after the 2025 season — the Rangers are emphasizing both development and competitiveness as they prepare for their 66th franchise season. With pitchers and catchers already reporting earlier in February, the full squad will begin Cactus League play with an exhibition matchup against the Kansas City Royals on Feb. 20 at Surprise Stadium.

The spring schedule provides a chance for position battles and roster clarity, especially after a winter that included both criticism over limited blockbuster moves and significant signings aimed at improving pitching depth. Texas bolstered its rotation by acquiring left-handed pitcher MacKenzie Gore from the Washington Nationals in a trade that sent several prospects to Washington, a move seen as part of a “win now” strategy for 2026.

Offseason work also included bullpen additions and minor-league contracts that give depth options during spring. Meanwhile, fans will watch to see how young talent and non-roster invitees perform as the club balances veteran experience with emerging players.

Once spring training wraps, the Rangers will open their regular season on March 26 on the road against the Philadelphia Phillies and Baltimore Orioles before returning home to play the Cincinnati Reds in early April.

With optimism high but expectations tempered by recent consistency challenges, Texas enters 2026 focused on finding a formula that can rival division rivals and make a deep postseason run.