Dallas – The Texas Rangers closed out the 2026 regular season with a disappointing 6-4 loss to the Minnesota Twins on Sunday, leaving the club one game behind the Houston Astros for the AL West playoff spot.

Season finale stakes

Entering the final weekend, Texas needed a win over Minnesota and a loss by the Astros against the Oakland Athletics to clinch the division. Instead, the Rangers fell short while Houston defeated Oakland 9-0, moving the Astros to an 81-81 record and the Rangers to 80-82.

Recent history

Since capturing their first World Series title in 2023, the Rangers have not posted a winning season. The team recorded 78 wins in 2024, 81 in 2025, and now 80 this year, underscoring a pattern of near‑misses.

Manager’s perspective

First‑year manager Skip Schumaker said, “The goal is always going to be to win. We didn’t win enough, and we’ve got to figure out how to do that.” He added that the club’s road record (35‑46) and performance against sub‑ .500 teams (33‑38) were major factors in the shortfall.

Player reflections

Veteran right fielder Brandon Nimmo, an 11‑year major‑league player, described the loss as “painful but familiar,” noting that the Rangers have repeatedly found themselves in similar situations throughout his career.

Shortstop Corey Seager, who hit his 20th home run of the season, acknowledged a career‑low OPS of .736 and said his offseason will focus on “picking up that one extra out, one extra run.”

Looking ahead

Schumaker emphasized that the roster still possesses considerable talent, but the club must address its shortcomings before the next season. “I’ve got to look in the mirror and figure out how to move this thing forward,” he said.

The Rangers will now turn their attention to the offseason, evaluating roster moves, coaching adjustments, and player development in hopes of returning to the postseason next year.

Original reporting: Dallas TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.