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Foscue Gives Rangers Affordable Designated Hitter Option
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- Foscue Gives Rangers Affordable Designated Hitter Option
(© Jerome Miron-Imagn Images)
As the Texas Rangers enter the offseason, several positions will require more attention than others.
Designated hitter is one of them.
Joc Pederson handled the role against right-handed pitching during the last two seasons. Since the Rangers face right-handers approximately 80% of the time, the arrangement made sense.
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Pederson improved his offensive production in 2026 after an injury-ravaged 2025. He hit .235 with 26 home runs, 53 RBIs and an .816 OPS in 136 games.
However, the cost of retaining him may be too high for Texas .
Pederson's last appearance came against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Sept. 12, when he suffered a small fracture in his left hand.
The injury forced him to miss the most important portion of the season while the Rangers battled the Houston Astros for first place in the American League West.
Fortunately, Texas has internal candidates capable of replacing him.
The Rangers will likely rotate multiple hitters through the designated hitter role instead of assigning it to one player for most games.
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Justin Foscue is among their options and would cost considerably less than the nearly $20 million Texas paid Pederson in 2026.
Why Foscue can help Rangers
Foscue began establishing himself during the season after receiving regular playing time for the first time since making his MLB debut in 2024.
Texas recalled him from Triple-A Round Rock on May 5. He eventually displaced Andrew McCutchen as the right-handed designated hitter against left-handed pitching.
Foscue slashed .324/.395/.586 with eight home runs, 27 RBIs and a .981 OPS in 145 at-bats against left-handers.
He has not developed into a platoon-proof hitter. Foscue slashed .175/.212/.300 with three home runs, seven RBIs and a .512 OPS in 80 at-bats against right-handed pitching.
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He also performed better away from Globe Life Field, hitting .297 in 118 road at-bats compared with .243 in 107 at-bats at home.
Foscue's upside
Foscue gives Texas useful flexibility because he can contribute as both a designated hitter and infielder.
His ability to handle multiple responsibilities makes him valuable to a roster seeking greater versatility. The Rangers would not need to reserve one position exclusively for him, allowing manager Skip Schumaker to adjust the lineup according to matchups.
Foscue has already shown that regular opportunities can help him settle into a defined role. His success against left-handers demonstrates an ability to recognize favorable pitches and punish mistakes.
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The next challenge is becoming less vulnerable against right-handers. Improving his pitch recognition and maintaining a consistent approach would make him more than a specialist.
Foscue does not need to replace Pederson by himself. His defensive flexibility, affordable contract and proven ability against left-handed pitching make him an important part of a possible designated hitter rotation.
