Rangers Camp Wrap-Up: Duran Shines, Rocker’s Velocity & Pederson’s Progress
SURPRISE, Ariz. — The Texas Rangers concluded spring training this weekend with a roster largely set, and a sense of cautious optimism surrounding their preparations for the 2026 season. Manager Skip Schumaker emphasized a focus on player development and establishing a positive clubhouse environment, even as several players made strong cases for final roster spots during the exhibition schedule.
One player who significantly boosted his standing is utility infielder Ezequiel Duran. Schumaker praised Duran’s recent performance, noting a marked improvement in his offensive approach. “A lot of encouraging signs,” Schumaker said Friday. “He’s almost forcing himself not only on the team — that’s pretty evident — but as far as, like, how much can you get him in the lineup? It’s really fun to watch.” Duran finished Cactus League play with a .302 batting average, a .412 on-base percentage, and a .605 slugging percentage in 16 games, including three home runs in his last seven appearances. His average exit velocity increased to 93.7 mph, a substantial rise from last season. Schumaker too highlighted Duran’s improved plate discipline and defensive contributions.
On the pitching side, right-hander Kumar Rocker demonstrated increased velocity during his final spring start. His first pitch clocked at 98.5 mph, and he recorded six pitches exceeding 98 mph in four innings. Rocker averaged 97.1 mph with his fastball throughout the spring, a significant increase of 1.5 mph compared to his average last season. He threw 11 fastballs at 98 mph or greater during the entire spring, compared to only one at that speed last year. Pitching coach Jordan Tiegs has been instrumental in Rocker’s development, focusing on adjustments that have yielded positive results. Schumaker noted, “Tiegs is really solid at identifying some things… It’s been showing up. He feels good about where he’s at.” Rocker himself expressed comfort even if his fastball velocity dips into the mid-90s, emphasizing the importance of developing a consistent changeup.
The Rangers are also monitoring the performance of designated hitter Joc Pederson, who struggled at the plate during spring training, going 6 for 35 with 12 strikeouts in 15 exhibition games. This followed a 2025 season where he posted a career-low .181 batting average and .613 OPS in 96 games. Despite the statistics, Schumaker remains optimistic, citing the quality of Pederson’s work in batting practice and during at-bats. “I think the little frustrating part — I know what the results and numbers say — is how good the work has been,” Schumaker said. “It just hasn’t translated yet.” Schumaker pointed to a 94 mph average exit velocity as an indicator that Pederson is making solid contact, and acknowledged a historical pattern of Pederson performing better during the regular season than in spring training.
The Rangers and Kansas City Royals share Surprise Stadium as their Spring Training home, a facility that opened in 2003. The stadium features two 37,000-square-foot clubhouses, practice infields, and six full practice fields for each team. Surprise Stadium has been recognized as the Number 1 Spring Training Stadium in Arizona. The Rangers’ regular season is scheduled to begin shortly, with the team hoping to build on the positive developments observed during spring training.