Jack Leiter is entering his second full season as a starting pitcher for the Texas Rangers, carrying the momentum of a promising 2025 campaign. His performance last year, which came amid unforeseen opportunity due to injuries, has set high expectations for his continued growth in 2026.
Throughout Texas Rangers spring training, Leiter has maintained the form he showed in his rookie season, with only minor changes such as adding a cutter to his pitching arsenal. Confidence gained from past success has fortified his approach, fueling his ambition to improve further and establish himself firmly in the major leagues rotation.
From Unexpected Opportunity to Rotation Mainstay
Leiter initially secured his rotation spot due to injuries to Cody Bradford and Jon Gray but earned it through consistent, effective pitching. In 2025, he recorded a 10-10 win-loss mark and a 3.86 ERA over nearly 152 innings, completing 29 starts. His performance secured him a position on the Opening Day roster for the Rangers this year without question.
While firmly in the rotation, Leiter understands that becoming an established MLB starting pitcher is the next challenge. He continues to work rigorously to prove his reliability and elevate his game.
It’s just, ideally, continuing to build, continuing to get better each and every day, keep the same process and mindset that I’ve always had, and continue to refine that process,
said Leiter, the second overall pick in the 2021 draft.
In terms of results, you want to continue to build off of those and go deeper in the games, build on the amount of innings I threw and make all my starts. And I would like to just keep getting better in every regard.
Introducing the Cutter: Strategic Pitching Evolves
Leiter made his second Cactus League appearance on Saturday against the Los Angeles Dodgers, showcasing his new cutter during two scoreless innings, following his debut against the Angels. This addition marks a strategic evolution aimed at increasing his effectiveness.
The cutter, a pitch he adopted after learning the grip from Red Sox pitcher Garrett Crochet—who has ties to Tennessee and Vanderbilt through college baseball—is an important development in Leiter’s arsenal. It provides a third fastball option for hitters to consider, featuring late glove-side movement that differs from his four-seam fastball and offers movement opposite to his sinker.
Since his four-seam fastball was among his best pitches last year and the sinker was less effective, incorporating the cutter could enhance his command and efficiency throughout innings, contributing to longer outings.
That’s how I’m going to achieve efficiency this year,
Leiter explained.
Being unpredictable, throwing a lot of strikes, that’s the name of the game.
Refining Command and Efficiency After Rookie Challenges
Despite showing flashes of brilliance, Leiter faced control challenges last season, issuing 67 walks overall, though he markedly improved in the second half, walking only 29 batters. This improvement coincided with a spike in strikeouts and a more aggressive approach, as he induced weaker contact and shortened at-bats.
Leiter attributes this development to learning how to effectively pitch within the strike zone, a lesson gleaned from observing elite pitchers Jacob deGrom and Nathan Eovaldi. Their mastery influenced his approach to command and efficiency.
That’s one of those things that comes with experience,
Leiter said. “Everyone’s path is different. Some guys kind of click in that regard right away, and some guys it takes a little longer. And all you can do is continue to stay present and keep getting better at that.
Obviously, if I want to go deeper into games and throw more innings this season, it’s finding ways to be more efficient. Get quicker outs when you do find yourself in those two-strike counts. How do you end the at-bat right there?
Mentorship From Veteran Pitchers Shapes Progress
Nathan Eovaldi’s guidance was significant for Leiter late in the 2025 season, especially in scouting opponents and reinforcing confidence in his off-speed pitches. This mentorship helped Leiter integrate complementary pitches into his game plan, transitioning from relying heavily on his fastball to attacking hitters strategically.
Leiter’s second-half performance featured a 3.28 ERA with opponents hitting just .211 against him in 11 starts, demonstrating his adaptation and growth.
He did a great job of listening and breaking down each one of his games, whether it was good or bad, and finding out what he could do better and finding ways to get better,
Eovaldi noted.
With a game plan, I feel like it’s one of those tough things where everyone has a game plan, but it comes down to you having your own and knowing what you want to do to those hitters.
Leiter’s Mental Approach and Team Confidence
Leiter possesses not only physical tools but also a sharp baseball intellect that supports his ongoing development. His manager, Skip Schumaker, acknowledges Leiter’s growth mindset and the potential within his skill set.
Him understanding that he’s got good enough stuff inside the strike zone, doesn’t have to punch anyone out, I think the thought of 15-or-under would probably be best for him,
Schumaker said.
He’s still learning in this game. He’s got a long way to go, but he’s off to a really good start. I love how the mind works. His mind really works. He’s trying to get better.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Jack Leiter and the Rangers
Heading into the 2026 season, Jack Leiter aims to build on last year’s foundation by refining his command, adding variety with his cutter, and increasing his stamina to pitch deeper into games. His efforts will be critical for the Texas Rangers as they seek to strengthen their rotation and contend at higher levels.
Leiter’s evolution as a starting pitcher signals his commitment to becoming an indispensable asset for the Rangers and an emerging talent in Major League Baseball’s pitching ranks.
