Rangers’ 5th Starter Battle: Latz vs. Rocker for the Starting Rotation
The Texas Rangers enter the 2026 season with a competitive environment for the final spot in their starting rotation.
With Cody Bradford expected to return from elbow surgery no earlier than May, the primary competition is a battle between the experienced left-hander Jake Latz and the highly-touted prospect right-hander Kumar Rocker.
Here is an outlook on the top candidates vying for the fifth starter role as spring training begins.
Candidate Breakdown
| Pitcher | 2025 MLB ERA | 2025 IP | 2025 Strikeouts | 2025 WHIP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jake Latz | 2.84 | 85.2 | 76 | 1.24 |
| Kumar Rocker | 5.74 | 64.1 | 56 | 1.46 |
| Cody Bradford | 3.54 (2024) | 76.1 (2024) | 70 (2024) | 1.01 (2024) |
Jake Latz (LHP)
Latz, who has primarily served as a swingman and reliever, is making a push for a full-time starting role in 2026 after a strong showing in a hybrid role last season.
- PROS: Latz offers valuable MLB experience and has demonstrated effectiveness, posting a solid 2.84 ERA across 33 appearances (eight starts) in 2025, with a 2-0 record as a starter. His strong performance, including an impressive run of allowing two or fewer runs in his final five starts, makes him a reliable option. The Rangers also lack left-handed starters, a void he could fill.
- CONS: The main question surrounding Latz is his ability to handle a full season’s workload as a starter, as he has never held a permanent rotation spot in the majors. He spent time on the injured list in past seasons, raising some durability concerns.
Kumar Rocker (RHP)
A former top prospect and the No. 3 overall pick in the 2022 draft, Rocker is expected to compete for the rotation spot after working through mechanical issues and developing in the minors.
- PROS: Rocker has immense upside and a high prospect pedigree with an electric five-pitch mix that includes a fastball touching nearly 100 mph and a dominant slider. He had dominant stretches in the minors, including a 5.0 scoreless inning and a 10-strikeout Triple-A game in August 2025. He is considered the favorite by many analysts for his sheer talent and potential impact.
- CONS: Rocker is a significant risk due to his limited professional innings since college and prior shoulder surgery, which initially caused his draft stock to fluctuate. His brief stint in the majors in 2025 was shaky, with a high ERA of 5.74 in 14 starts and inconsistent performance. He will likely also be on an innings count in 2026.
Cody Bradford (LHP)
Bradford was a standout performer for the Rangers in 2024 before injuries, unfortunately, extended into the 2025 season.
- PROS: When healthy, Bradford was arguably the Rangers’ best pitcher in 2024, finishing with a 3.54 ERA and a stellar 1.01 WHIP in 76.1 innings. His impressive control and ability to limit baserunners make him highly effective.
- CONS: Bradford is expected to miss the start of the 2026 season as he recovers from an internal brace procedure on his elbow last June, meaning he is not a direct candidate for the Opening Day rotation spot. His main issue is durability, having battled back, rib, and elbow injuries over the last two seasons.
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Categorized:Rangers The Ranger Report