Jacob deGrom made his long-awaited return to the mound during the Texas Rangers' spring training, throwing 25 pitches in his first live bullpen session of the season. The two-time Cy Young winner struck out two batters and walked one, showcasing his potential ahead of the upcoming Cactus League games. Manager Bruce Bochy praised deGrom's performance, noting that everything looked good. His limited exhibition starts in previous years indicate that he prefers minimal buildup before the season starts. Meanwhile, fellow pitcher Kumar Rocker struggled in his outing, giving up four runs in just two-thirds of an inning, which raised concerns about his early performance.

On a brighter note for the Rangers, catcher Jonah Heim had a solid game, going 2-for-2 at the plate while also throwing out a base runner. However, the pitching staff faced challenges, giving up five home runs in a single game against the Milwaukee Brewers, suggesting that wind conditions played a significant role. Overall, while deGrom's return is a positive sign, the team will need to address its pitching issues as they move closer to the regular season.

In Surprise, Arizona, the Texas Rangers' clubhouse has become a haven for catchers, fostering a collaborative environment where experience meets youthful ambition. Jonah Heim, an All-Star, sits alongside seasoned veterans such as Kyle Higashioka and Tucker Barnhart, while rookie Malcolm Moore, the Rangers' first-round draft choice, finds himself eager to learn from these accomplished players.

Moore has quickly impressed the coaching staff, notably Rangers manager Bruce Bochy, who sees potential in his willingness to absorb knowledge. With his recent performance, including a hit during the Cactus League games, Moore is set to establish himself further in the MLB.

The Texas Rangers' catcher Jonah Heim faced a significant decline during the 2024 season, transitioning from an All-Star and Gold Glove winner to one of the least effective players in the league. His struggles included a dismal .220 batting average and the lowest OPS among players with over 400 plate appearances. Despite a tumultuous year, including personal challenges, Heim has committed to a rigorous offseason training regimen aimed at reclaiming his previous form.

Heim's acknowledgment of the need for improvement and his proactive approach in working with strength coaches reflects a player determined to bounce back. As he enters the new season, he aims not just for redemption but to exceed his past accolades, showcasing his dedication as he prepared for spring training.

The Texas Rangers had a disappointing 2024 season, failing to defend their World Series title with just 78 wins, largely due to injuries and a decline in performance from key players. Jonah Heim, who shone in 2023, suffered significantly at the plate, posting a dismal wRC+ of 70, the second-lowest in the league. In a bid to bolster their catching position, the Rangers signed veteran Kyle Higashioka, signaling a potential decrease in Heim's playing time. Despite this setback, projections for 2025 suggest a significant rebound for Heim, with an expected WAR improvement from -0.1 to 1.7, potentially positioning him among the top catchers alongside Adley Rutschman.

The Texas Rangers and outfielder Leody Taveras have finalized a contract agreement for the 2025 season, valuing at $4.5 million, thus avoiding arbitration. Taveras, entering his second year of arbitration, previously played for $2.55 million and was projected to earn $4.3 million for the upcoming season. His performance in the 2024 season included a batting line of .229/.289/.352, with 12 home runs and 44 RBIs over 151 games, marking a downturn from his impressive contributions during the Rangers’ World Series run in 2023.

The Rangers have not navigated an arbitration hearing since 2000. Currently, catcher Jonah Heim remains the only other arbitration-eligible player on the team, projected to garner $4.8 million. Taveras, who is under contract until 2028, will need to outperform emerging talents like Wyatt Langford and Evan Carter to secure his position for the next season.