Less than two full seasons after winning the World Series, the Texas Rangers are at a crossroads. Though just two games out of an American League Wild Card spot, the team has struggled to find consistency and is not widely seen as a threat to the league’s elite.
Recent comments from a veteran who retired after being released by the Rangers have cast further doubt on the club’s chemistry, raising questions about their chances for a deep postseason run.
Kevin Pillar’s Retirement and the Rangers’ Clubhouse Dynamic
MLB veteran outfielder Kevin Pillar recently announced his retirement after being released by the Rangers. Pillar hit .209 in 20 games for the team this season and shared candid thoughts about his time in Texas during an appearance on the Foul Territory podcast. He described the clubhouse as lacking cohesion: “There’s a lot of individual stuff going on. A lot of guys are doing their own thing.” Pillar acknowledged that his perspective may have been shaped by his outsider status and his limited role with the team.
“We’ve hit rock bottom as an offense, but we’re winning games. This should motivate us.”@KPILLAR4 explains how he attempted to encourage his Rangers teammates as they battled through offensive struggles. pic.twitter.com/p5CmUrIgXq
— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) July 2, 2025
Rangers President of Baseball Operations Chris Young was asked about Pillar’s comments. He told local media that he believes Pillar had good intentions but “have an answer without maybe understanding the repercussions for the team.” Pillar’s remarks have led to speculation among insiders about whether clubhouse morale is a factor in the Rangers’ inconsistent first half.
Despite these concerns, the Rangers remain focused on improving their roster. Adding another bat is a top priority at the trade deadline, as the team has gotten little production from its designated hitters this season. The Rangers recently demoted former All-Star third baseman Josh Jung to Triple-A, underlining the need for more consistent offensive contributions.
Josh Jung will need to learn how to accept outside input while working through things in Triple-A, says @Evan_P_Grant. pic.twitter.com/LvYNguwJ4E
— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) July 3, 2025
Pitching, Prospects, and the Road Ahead for the Rangers
Jacob deGrom has re-established himself as one of baseball’s top pitchers, and Nathan Eovaldi was outstanding before landing on the injured list with elbow inflammation. If Eovaldi returns to form, the Rangers will boast one of the strongest one-two punches at the top of their rotation.
Pressure is mounting on former top prospects Jack Leiter and Kumar Rocker to solidify the back end of the rotation. Leiter, in particular, has shown promise recently, delivering strong outings and flashing the potential that made him a first-round pick.
Jack Leiter has been very solid over his last 5 starts:
28.3 IP
2.23 ERA
24 K : 13 BBFuture ace…👀
pic.twitter.com/RDhU2QaQwN— Andrew DeCeglie (@Andrew_FBB) June 6, 2025
The Rangers have the talent to make a postseason push, but according to Pillar, they currently resemble a collection of talented individuals rather than a unified team. As the trade deadline approaches, the front office faces tough decisions about how to address both the clubhouse dynamic and the need for more production throughout the roster.