Former Rangers Pitcher Sees Texas Challenging AL West if deGrom Stays Healthy

Mike Bacsik believes the Rangers can upset the Mariners in 2026 with a healthy Jacob deGrom leading the rotation.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 10:33am

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Former Texas Rangers pitcher and current TV analyst Mike Bacsik believes the Rangers can challenge the Seattle Mariners for the AL West title in 2026 if ace Jacob deGrom can stay healthy and make 30 starts. Bacsik praised the hiring of new manager Skip Schumaker, who spent last season in the Rangers' front office, as a major advantage. While the Mariners are the preseason favorites, Bacsik thinks the Rangers and Astros have a realistic chance of upsetting them in the division.

Why it matters

The Rangers are looking to return to the playoffs for the first time since 2016, and a healthy deGrom could be the key to unlocking their full potential and pushing the powerhouse Mariners in the AL West race.

The details

Bacsik believes the Rangers' new manager Skip Schumaker has a major advantage over most incoming managers, having spent last season in the Rangers' front office and getting to know the roster and organization. Bacsik is confident that if deGrom makes 30 starts, the Rangers will win 20 or more of those games, which could be enough to challenge the Mariners for the division title.

  • The Rangers enter the 2026 season with a new manager after the departure of Bruce Bochy.
  • The Mariners won the AL West division title in 2025 with time to spare, not going down to the wire with the Astros.

The players

Mike Bacsik

A former Texas Rangers pitcher who is now a television analyst for the team.

Skip Schumaker

The new manager of the Texas Rangers, who spent last season in the team's front office.

Jacob deGrom

The ace pitcher of the Texas Rangers, a two-time Cy Young Award winner who has been limited by injuries in recent seasons.

Bruce Bochy

The former longtime manager of the Texas Rangers, who has departed the team.

Seattle Mariners

The preseason favorites to win the AL West division in 2026 after capturing the title in 2025.

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What they’re saying

“I'm not sure how wide open the division is. Seattle is the clear favorite. It doesn't mean Seattle will win the division easily but they have the best team on paper and won the division last year with approximately a week left. It didn't go down to the wire with Houston. I don't see a bad team in the division this year. I would be shocked if the Angels or A's win the division but I believe both teams can play .500 baseball this year. The Rangers and Astros can realistically upset the Mariners in 2026.”

— Mike Bacsik, Former Rangers pitcher and TV analyst

“Skip has a major advantage on most new managers this year. He was with the Rangers last year in the front office. He got to know this team and organization last year. He understands the strengths and weaknesses better than most incoming managers. So far it's been great. It's usually always great until you lose. Point being, every team is going to lose 50 or more games. Adversity will happen. Halfway through Spring training, I bet it's great for all 30 team's managers and front office, including new managers…I believe Skip will be one of the best managers in baseball over the next decade. He proved a lot in Miami, and will prove in Texas why he's one of the best leaders of young men.”

— Mike Bacsik, Former Rangers pitcher and TV analyst

“If Jacob deGrom once again makes 30 starts this season the Rangers will win 20 or more of those 30 starts.”

— Mike Bacsik, Former Rangers pitcher and TV analyst

What’s next

The Rangers will look to get off to a strong start under new manager Skip Schumaker, with the health of ace Jacob deGrom being a key factor in their ability to challenge the Mariners in the AL West.

The takeaway

The Rangers have the potential to be one of the surprise teams in the AL West in 2026, but their success will hinge on whether they can keep their ace Jacob deGrom healthy for a full season under new manager Skip Schumaker.