The Texas Rangers have invested significantly in analytics over the past 5 years. Here is how the operation works.
The infrastructure:
- Full-time analytics staff of approximately 12 people (above MLB average of 8-10)
- Partnership with Driveline Baseball for pitch design and biomechanics
- TrackMan and Rapsodo technology installed at every minor league affiliate
- Source: The Athletic -- Rangers front office profile 2025
How analytics influenced the 2023 championship:
- Defensive shifts: The Rangers used positioning data to optimize fielder placement. Their shift-adjusted defensive efficiency ranked 3rd among playoff teams per Baseball Savant.
- Pitch sequencing: Catchers received pre-game reports with heat maps showing opposing hitters' weaknesses.
- Bullpen usage: Matchup-based usage instead of fixed roles. High-leverage situations got the best available arm regardless of inning.
Current applications:
Pitch design: A High-A pitcher added 300 RPM to his slider through pitch design work. His strikeout rate jumped from 24% to 31%.
Swing decisions: Players receive personalized reports identifying which pitch types and zones they should swing at versus take.
Health monitoring: Workload models track pitch counts, recovery periods, and biomechanical stress markers. The Rangers had the 8th-fewest IL days in 2025.
Sources:
- The Athletic -- Rangers analytics profile
- Baseball Savant -- defensive positioning data
- Driveline Baseball -- pitch design methodology