Rangers Pitchers Rocker and Latz Compete for Final Rotation Spot

Veteran Kumar Rocker and rising lefty Jacob Latz battle for the 5th starter role in Texas

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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The Texas Rangers are heading into spring training with an open competition for the final spot in their starting rotation. Veteran right-hander Kumar Rocker and up-and-coming lefty Jacob Latz are the two main contenders, with Latz having the edge after a strong 2025 season split between the rotation and bullpen. Rocker, who has been limited by injuries since undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2023, will look to regain his dominant form and force the Rangers' hand this spring.

Why it matters

The Rangers are aiming to return to the playoffs after missing out in 2024 and 2025, so solidifying their starting rotation will be crucial. The battle between Rocker and Latz for the 5th starter role could have major implications on the team's success in 2026.

The details

Latz, a 25-year-old lefty, had a 2.84 ERA in 85.2 innings last season, including a 2.72 ERA as a starter. Rocker, the former first-round pick, has the higher ceiling but has been limited by injuries since his Tommy John surgery. The Rangers will give both pitchers an extended look this spring to determine who will claim the final spot in their rotation alongside established starters Jacob deGrom, Nathan Eovaldi, MacKenzie Gore, and Jack Leiter.

  • The Rangers will head to spring training in February 2026 to determine their starting rotation.
  • Latz and Rocker will compete for the 5th starter role throughout the Cactus League exhibition games.

The players

Kumar Rocker

A former first-round draft pick of the Rangers, Rocker is looking to regain his dominant form after undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2023.

Jacob Latz

A 25-year-old left-handed pitcher, Latz had a strong 2025 season split between the Rangers' rotation and bullpen.

Jacob deGrom

The Rangers' ace and one of the best pitchers in baseball.

Nathan Eovaldi

A veteran right-hander and key part of the Rangers' rotation.

MacKenzie Gore

A highly touted young left-hander acquired by the Rangers in a trade.

Jack Leiter

The Rangers' top pitching prospect, who made his MLB debut in 2025.

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What they’re saying

“The fact that only one spot is up in the air this spring is progress. Lefty Jacob Latz had a 2.84 ERA in 85.2 innings spanning eight starts and 25 relief appearances last year, and actually pitched better in a starting role with a 2.72 ERA over 39.2 frames.”

— Joel Reuter, Bleacher Report Writer (Bleacher Report)

“Kumar Rocker still has the pure stuff to force the club's hand, but Latz has earned an extended look in a starting role.”

— Joel Reuter, Bleacher Report Writer (Bleacher Report)

What’s next

The Rangers will closely monitor the performances of Rocker and Latz throughout spring training to determine who will claim the final spot in their starting rotation for the 2026 season.

The takeaway

The battle between Rocker and Latz for the 5th starter role in Texas highlights the depth and competition within the Rangers' pitching staff as they aim to return to the playoffs. Whichever pitcher emerges victorious could play a crucial role in the team's success in 2026.