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Rangers' Spring Training Focuses on Mackenzie Gore's Development

  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2026/02/1 .. ing-focuses-on-mackenzie-gore-s-development.html
  Published in House and Home on Tuesday, February 17th 2026 at 16:48 GMT by Dallas Morning News
      Locales: Texas, UNITED STATES

ARLINGTON, TX - February 17th, 2026 - As the Texas Rangers begin Spring Training, the narrative isn't about flashy free agent signings or promising rookies, but rather the internal development of a player already within the organization: starting pitcher Mackenzie Gore. The 2026 season feels pivotal for Gore, and by extension, for the Rangers' chances of returning to, and succeeding in, the postseason. The question isn't if Gore can become a valuable pitcher, but when and how he will unlock the immense potential that once made him a top prospect.

Following a 2024 campaign that underwhelmed, and a 2025 season that showed flashes but ultimately lacked consistency, all eyes are on Gore as he's projected to be a cornerstone of the Rangers' rotation. The pressure is palpable, but the Rangers organization seems committed to providing him with the necessary support to thrive.

Gore's journey has been well-documented. Once considered a can't-miss prospect, his ascent has been hampered by inconsistency and an inability to consistently command his arsenal. His stuff, when on, is electric - a fastball that touches the mid-90s, a deceptive changeup, and a suite of breaking balls. However, too often, those pitches haven't coalesced into dominant performances. The issue isn't a lack of talent; it's execution and mental approach.

Manager Bruce Bochy, in his continued role at the helm, has emphasized open communication with Gore. "We've had some very frank, honest conversations," Bochy stated recently. "Mackenzie is a bright young man, and he's receptive to feedback. We know what he's capable of when he's at his best. Our job is to create an environment where he can consistently reach that level."

The Rangers' strategy revolves around simplification. Pitching coach Brad Henderson has been working with Gore on a refined approach, urging him to prioritize his fastball-changeup combination. The thinking is that Gore has, at times, tried to be too much, overloading hitters with a variety of pitches instead of establishing dominance with his best two. This overthinking has led to a lack of command and confidence. "He's got a very good fastball, and his changeup is a legitimate swing-and-miss pitch," Henderson explained. "If he can command those two pitches consistently, he'll be a very difficult pitcher to face. We're encouraging him to trust those pitches and make them the foundation of his attack."

Beyond pitch selection, the Rangers are focusing on Gore's aggression on the mound. Analysts have noted a tendency for Gore to be too cautious, nibbling at the edges of the strike zone instead of challenging hitters. This hesitancy allows hitters to get comfortable and forces Gore into unfavorable counts. The Rangers want to see Gore attack the zone, trust his velocity and movement, and dictate the terms of the at-bat. It's about fostering a mindset of confidence and conviction. The team believes a more aggressive Gore will not only generate more swings and misses but also improve his overall efficiency and stamina.

With veteran pitchers Nathan Eovaldi and Jon Gray firmly established as the top two in the rotation, Gore represents the crucial third piece. A consistently performing Gore elevates the Rangers from a team with a solid one-two punch to one with a legitimate, deep starting rotation capable of making a deep playoff run. However, if Gore struggles, the Rangers may be forced to explore external options - potentially sacrificing valuable assets in a trade or relying on unproven arms. The front office has expressed a preference for internal development, but patience has its limits.

The stakes are high. The American League West is becoming increasingly competitive, with the Houston Astros and Seattle Mariners consistently vying for playoff berths. To contend, the Rangers need more than just a good offense; they need reliable starting pitching. Gore isn't just a player being evaluated; he's a key component in the Rangers' championship equation. His success could be the difference between a celebratory parade in Arlington and another disappointing offseason. Spring Training will provide the first glimpse of whether the adjustments are taking hold, and whether Mackenzie Gore is finally poised to deliver on his immense potential.