If you’re staring at a quiet Globe Life Field right now wondering where everyone went, you aren’t alone. The offseason always feels like an eternity, especially when the hot stove is mostly just lukewarm rumors and arbitration news. But for the Texas Rangers, the wait is almost over. We’re officially in that weird transition period where the holidays are behind us and the sound of a ball hitting a glove in Arizona is just weeks away.
The short answer? The Texas Rangers play again on Friday, February 20, 2026.
That’s the Cactus League opener. They’ll be taking on the Kansas City Royals at Surprise Stadium. It's the start of a massive month of preparation for a team that has a lot to prove after a couple of seasons spent on the outside looking in.
The Spring Training Countdown in Surprise
Honestly, the regular season gets all the glory, but Spring Training in Surprise is where the real stories happen. This year is particularly spicy because of the leadership change. With Skip Schumaker taking the reins from Bruce Bochy, the vibe in camp is going to be completely different.
Pitchers and catchers report on February 10. If you're a die-hard who follows the "best shape of his life" tweets, that's your real start date. The full squad hits the field on February 15.
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Here is how the early exhibition slate looks:
- Feb 20: vs. Kansas City Royals (Surprise Stadium)
- Feb 21: @ Chicago Cubs (Sloan Park)
- Feb 22: vs. Colorado Rockies (Surprise Stadium)
- Feb 23: @ Los Angeles Angels (Tempe Diablo Stadium)
It's worth noting that this spring is going to be a bit chaotic. Why? The World Baseball Classic. A bunch of guys will be leaving camp to play for their home countries, and the Rangers are even hosting an exhibition game against Team Brazil on March 4. It’s a great chance to see some of the deeper bench prospects who usually don’t get much airtime.
When Do the Texas Rangers Play Again for Real?
Spring Training is fun, but it doesn't count in the standings. If you’re asking about the regular season, circle Thursday, March 26, 2026 on your calendar.
This is actually a historic one. It’s the earliest traditional Opening Day in the history of Major League Baseball. The Rangers aren't starting at home, though. They’ll be in Philadelphia to face the Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. It’s a tough road start, but it sets the tone for a season where Chris Young has clearly decided to shake things up.
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The home opener at Globe Life Field happens on Friday, April 3, 2026, against the Cincinnati Reds. If you’ve ever tried to get tickets for a home opener in Arlington, you know the drill: buy them yesterday.
Key Matchups and Weird Schedule Quirks
The 2026 schedule has some really strange wrinkles because of the FIFA World Cup. Since AT&T Stadium is right next door and hosting matches, the Rangers have some "unusual" off days to help with the traffic and security nightmare that is Arlington during a global event.
You’ll see the team off on Wednesday, June 17 and Friday, July 3. Basically, the World Cup is literally dictating when the Rangers can play at home.
Rivalry Weekend is another big one. From May 15-17, the Rangers head down I-45 to face the Houston Astros. The Lone Star Series always has some heat, but after the last few years of back-and-forth dominance, these May games might actually mean something for the division race earlier than usual.
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Notable Road Trips
- April 10-19: A brutal 10-game swing through LA (Dodgers), Sacramento (Athletics), and Seattle.
- June 22-July 1: A cross-country trek to Miami, Toronto, and Cleveland.
- Sept 25-27: The season finale in Minnesota.
Why the 2026 Season Feels Different
We have to talk about the elephant in the room: the roster looks weird. Seeing Brandon Nimmo in a Rangers jersey while Adolis García is out in Philly is going to take some getting used to. Trading Marcus Semien to the Mets was a "bold" move—and by bold, I mean most fans are still arguing about it on Reddit.
Skip Schumaker is coming in with a reputation for high energy and modern analytics, which is a pivot from Bochy’s "old soul" approach. Whether that translates to wins remains to be seen, but the pitching staff looks healthier than it has in years. Having a full season of a rested rotation is basically the only thing Rangers fans are dreaming about right now.
What You Should Do Next
If you're planning on catching a game, don't wait until March. Here is how you should prep:
- Check the TV Listings: Most games will be on Bally Sports (or whatever it's called by then), but because of the new MLB streaming deals, you’ll want to check if you need Apple TV+ or Roku for those Friday night slots.
- Grab Spring Training Tickets: If you’re heading to Arizona, Surprise Stadium tickets are already on sale. They’re way cheaper than regular season seats and you can actually get an autograph without fighting a crowd of 40,000 people.
- Update Your Calendar for June: Remember those World Cup off-days. If you’re planning a trip to Arlington in mid-June, double-check the dates so you don't end up sitting in World Cup traffic for a game that isn't happening.
The Rangers are in a massive "prove it" year. Whether they’re contenders or just a team in transition, the journey starts on February 20.