Rangers Release Veteran Utilityman Sam Haggerty

The Texas Rangers have officially released utilityman Sam Haggerty, according to his MLB.com transaction tracker. Haggerty was designated for assignment on Friday and is now a free agent. The move clears a spot on the Rangers' 40-man roster while also shifting the financial responsibility for his remaining contract to another team.

Haggerty was signed to a $1.25 million deal this offseason, a commitment that reflected his value as a versatile and experienced player. However, the 32-year-old struggled mightily in 2026, slashing .159/.213/.182 in limited playing time. His strikeout rate soared to 34.0%, the highest in the majors among players with at least 50 plate appearances. Haggerty managed just two steals and no home runs, further limiting his offensive impact.

Despite the downturn in his production, Haggerty remains a defensive asset. He has experience at all three outfield positions and every infield position except shortstop. This season with the Rangers, he played center field and left field, but his overall versatility could still make him an attractive option for a team in need of a utility player. His sprint speed still ranks in the 75th percentile, indicating he retains some of his athleticism.

Haggerty was a league-average hitter as recently as last season, posting a 98 wRC+ in 64 games with Texas and stealing a dozen bases. That performance was enough to earn him the multi-year deal in the off-season. However, his 2026 regression has made it difficult for the Rangers to justify keeping him on the roster.

The financial implications of the release are clear. Another team can absorb Haggerty and pay him the prorated league minimum while he’s on their roster. That amount will be subtracted from the remaining $1.25 million Texas still owes him, effectively reducing their financial burden.

Haggerty’s release is a clear example of how quickly a player’s value can shift in a short season. While his defensive flexibility remains a plus, his offensive struggles have made it difficult to justify his roster spot. The Rangers now have more flexibility in their depth and financial planning.

Haggerty will enter the market as a free agent, and teams in need of a veteran utility player may still consider adding him. His availability could provide value for a contender looking to bolster their bench ahead of the trade deadline.