- The Texas Rangers won their first World Series in 2023.
- The franchise has retired the numbers of five former players, including Nolan Ryan and Adrián Beltré.
- Rangers players have won American League MVP on six occasions.
Since starting as the Washington Senators in 1961, some all-time greats have represented the Rangers. There are some big names to consider when choosing the best Texas Rangers of all time, and after winning the 2023 World Series, their squad’s baseball betting lines could be a fan-favourite in the future.
Five former Rangers have had their numbers retired. A Ranger has been awarded American League MVP in six different seasons, yet they have never produced a Cy Young winner.
Here are my five greatest Rangers ever.
Best Texas Rangers Players of All Time
| Rank | Player | Position | Rangers Years |
| 1 | Ivan Rodriguez | Catcher | 1991-2002, 2009 |
| 2 | Alex Rodriguez | Shortstop | 2001-2003 |
| 3 | Juan Gonzalez | Outfielder | 1989-1999, 2002-2003 |
| 4 | Rafael Palmeiro | First Baseman | 1989-1993, 1999-2003 |
| 5 | Adrian Beltre | Third Baseman | 2011-2018 |
1. Ivan Rodriguez
Top of the charts in franchise bWAR, there was no debate over Pudge Rodríguez’s placing here. A Hall of Famer and former MVP, Rodríguez amassed 10 All-Star selections as a Ranger. He also picked up 10 Gold Gloves and six Silver Sluggers.
Simply put, he’s one of the greatest catchers in MLB history. The Puerto Rican ranks second in franchise hits, fourth in homers, and first in defensive bWAR.
2. Alex Rodriguez
Is it controversial to have Alex Rodriguez second in these rankings? A-Rod played just three seasons with the Rangers, but his 155 OPS+ is the best in franchise history; he won an MVP, two Gold Gloves and three Silver Sluggers.
⚾️ Sept. 7, 2001: In an 8-2 Rangers win over the Royals, Alex Rodriguez breaks his AL homer mark for shortstops, hitting his 43rd home run.
📋 Box score: https://t.co/qSGzEQNslH pic.twitter.com/nqj7dOCt7C— DFWSportsPast (@dfwsportspast) September 8, 2021
The shortstop-turned-analyst posted a 25.5 bWAR in just three years. He was a top-six finisher in MVP voting in all three campaigns. Leading the American League in homers in 2001 and leading the majors in each of the next two seasons, Rodriguez produced the greatest three-year peak of any Ranger.
3. Juan Gonzalez
The only Ranger to win multiple MVPs, Juan González tops Rafael Palmeiro for third place. Although suspect defensively in the outfield, González claimed the 1996 and 1998 MVP awards. The Rangers won the division in both seasons.
Advanced metrics never loved González – he’s only ninth in franchise bWAR, and never led the team in that category. His peak, though, was vital to several competitive Rangers teams, and he’s the all-time franchise leader in homers.
4. Rafael Palmeiro
With the second-most bWAR in franchise history, some might consider it a bit harsh to have Rafael Palmeiro in fourth. Steroid use has inevitably tainted Palmeiro’s legacy, but even without that, he cannot match the elite peaks of the players above him.
The La Habana native had just one top-five MVP finish as a Ranger. Yes, he’s second for the franchise in homers, fourth in hits and third in OPS+, but Palmeiro was ultimately good rather than great during his time in Texas, as his three All-Star selections in 10 seasons indicate.
5. Adrian Beltre
Despite only becoming a Ranger just before turning 32 years old, Texas was treated to many of Adrián Beltré’s peak years. Beltré is one of the most beloved players of the 21st century and became a first-ballot Hall of Famer in 2024.
Adrián Beltré is headed to Cooperstown!
He is a first-ballot Hall of Famer! pic.twitter.com/qNe29BJolL
— MLB (@MLB) January 23, 2024
Beltré is third among all position players in bWAR in franchise history. While he never enjored a deep postseason run with the Rangers, he reached the playoffs on four occasions and led the team in bWAR in five straight seasons.