As the 2026 MLB season approaches, MLB Network has begun releasing its Top 100 Players Right Now rankings, offering a preview of the players expected to make the biggest impact this year. The countdown, starting from No. 100, reveals segments of the list on specific dates, with rankings from 60 to 41 revealed on January 15, followed by subsequent announcements leading up to the top 10 players.
Jacob deGrom Claims No. 50 Spot After Remarkable 2025 Performance
Texas Rangers’ ace Jacob deGrom secured the No. 50 ranking in the latest MLB Network list, making a significant jump from No. 99 last year. After dealing with multiple injury-shortened seasons, deGrom returned to form in 2025, delivering an impressive performance over 30 starts. He finished the season with a 12-8 record, a 2.97 ERA, and 185 strikeouts in 172.2 innings pitched, demonstrating exceptional durability and effectiveness.
This resurgence earned deGrom his fifth career All-Star Game selection, and he placed eighth in the Cy Young Award voting, marking his first top-10 finish since his 2021 campaign with the New York Mets. His return to elite form positions him as a key player for Texas in the coming season.
“Our #Top100RightNow list continues with Players Nos. 50-41! ⬇️ https://t.co/DXDJEcixcw pic.twitter.com/S02ToWiqU5” — MLB Network
Other Texas Rangers Featured in Top 100 Include Nathan Eovaldi and Wyatt Langford
Alongside deGrom, two other Texas Rangers pitchers earned spots in the Top 100. Nathan Eovaldi was ranked No. 64 after an outstanding 2025 season marked by a 1.73 ERA over 130 innings, paired with 129 strikeouts and only 21 walks in 22 starts. Despite battling elbow inflammation and a rotator cuff strain, which limited his playing time, Eovaldi’s performance was strong enough to merit recognition as a potential Cy Young Award contender had he remained fully healthy.
Wyatt Langford, the young outfielder, rose to No. 69 following a solid sophomore season. The 24-year-old posted a 5.6 bWAR across 134 games, with a .241 batting average, an OPS+ of 127, 22 home runs, and 62 RBIs. His speed was also notable, stealing 22 bases in 2025. Langford’s defensive skills stood out, especially his elite range in the outfield, ranked in the 96th percentile according to Baseball Savant, complementing a solid arm strength in the 59th percentile. He is widely regarded as a vital part of Texas’ future outfield core.
Texas’ Rising Stars Set to Impact the 2026 Season
The inclusion of deGrom, Eovaldi, and Langford in MLB Network’s top 100 highlights the talent within the Texas Rangers roster as they aim for a strong 2026. DeGrom’s recovery from injuries and return to elite pitching form offers hope and motivation for fans and teammates alike. Meanwhile, Eovaldi’s excellence despite health setbacks and Langford’s continued growth suggest that the Rangers have multiple pillars on which to build their success.
With the countdown continuing toward unveiling the top 10 players late this month, all eyes will remain on how these players and others perform, potentially influencing postseason races and award races throughout the league.
Our #Top100RightNow list continues with Players Nos. 50-41! ⬇️ https://t.co/DXDJEcixcw pic.twitter.com/S02ToWiqU5
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) January 16, 2026
