Four Former Rangers Poised to Make Noise in the 2025 Postseason
Texas may be sitting at home this October, but familiar faces will be under the spotlight when the playoffs begin.
While the Texas Rangers will miss the postseason for the second consecutive year, their influence will still echo across October. Several former Rangers have earned spots on playoff rosters, and their performances could shape the championship race.
As the regular season enters its final weekend, playoff brackets are nearly set. The Wild Card round kicks off Tuesday, and four ex-Rangers will be stepping onto the big stage — each with a different story, a different role, and something to prove.
🟠 1. Andy Ibáñez, INF – Detroit Tigers
A decade after signing with Texas, Andy Ibáñez has quietly carved out a steady MLB career. Now with the Detroit Tigers, the versatile 32-year-old is entering his third postseason in Motown.
Ibáñez has appeared in 302 games over three seasons with Detroit, posting a .248 average, 20 homers, 94 RBIs, and 40 doubles, good for a 3.5 WAR. His defining moment came last October, when he delivered an eighth-inning, pinch-hit three-run double to help the Tigers advance past Houston in the Wild Card round.
This year, Ibáñez has primarily held down third base, though he’s also logged innings at first, second, shortstop, and even left field. That flexibility makes him a valuable weapon for a Detroit team chasing its first AL pennant in years.
Key storyline: Can his bat deliver another clutch moment under pressure?
🔵 2. Luke Jackson, RHP – Seattle Mariners
Luke Jackson is the most recent ex-Ranger on this list. He pitched in 39 games for Texas earlier this season before being released in July. After a brief stop in Detroit, he landed with division rival Seattle, where he’s become a reliable bullpen option.
Jackson helped close out Seattle’s division-clinching win over Colorado this week, securing the Mariners’ first AL West title since 2001. Over 51 appearances this season, the 34-year-old right-hander owns a 4.17 ERA, 36 strikeouts, and nine saves.
While he won’t be Seattle’s primary high-leverage arm, his ground-ball heavy style makes him a tactical bullpen piece who could thrive in key postseason situations.
Key storyline: Will he get a shot at revenge against Texas’ division rivals in October?
⚫ 3. Carson Kelly, C – Chicago Cubs
Though Carson Kelly’s stint with Texas was brief — just the second half of 2024 — he’s become a difference-maker for the Chicago Cubs. After signing a two-year deal this past winter, the veteran catcher turned heads early in 2025.
In April, Kelly hit .320 with six home runs, 16 RBIs, 12 walks, and posted a 1.256 OPS over just 14 games. He even notched MLB’s first cycle of the 2025 season on April 1. His 17 home runs this year are one shy of his career high, while his 50 RBIs mark a new personal best.
Although he cooled off down the stretch, manager Craig Counsell will rely on Kelly’s experience and steady presence as Chicago returns to the postseason for the first time in five years.
Key storyline: Can Kelly deliver under playoff pressure after a breakout regular season?
🔴 4. Nathaniel Lowe, 1B – Boston Red Sox
Few recent Rangers have made a bigger impact than Nathaniel Lowe. A key part of Texas’ 2023 World Series championship, the 30-year-old was surprisingly traded to the Nationals last offseason for reliever Robert Garcia.
Lowe started hot in Washington but faded midseason, ultimately being released in August. The Boston Red Sox claimed him shortly after, and he’s since revived his season. In 33 games with Boston, he’s hit .281 with two homers and 16 RBIs, helping stabilize first base after Triston Casas’ injury.
His combination of postseason experience and recent resurgence makes him a potential X-factor in Boston’s October push.
Key storyline: Can Lowe rediscover his peak form under the bright lights?
⚾ Rangers’ Postseason Imprint Lives On
The Rangers may not be playing this October, but their fingerprints remain on the playoff picture. From Ibáñez’s clutch versatility to Lowe’s redemption arc, these four players will shape postseason narratives in different ways.
For Texas fans, this postseason offers a bittersweet viewing experience — watching familiar faces chase glory elsewhere while the club regroups for 2026.
❓ FAQ: Former Rangers in the 2025 Postseason
Why are these four players significant?
They each spent meaningful time with Texas and now hold important roles on playoff teams, showcasing the Rangers’ developmental and roster impact beyond Arlington.
Which former Ranger is most likely to make a deep postseason run?
The Seattle Mariners and Detroit Tigers appear poised for extended runs, giving Luke Jackson and Andy Ibáñez strong chances to shine.
Has Nathaniel Lowe played in the postseason before?
Yes. He was a key figure in Texas’ 2023 World Series run, giving Boston a proven October bat.
Are any of these players free agents after 2025?
Carson Kelly is under contract with the Cubs through next season. Ibáñez and Jackson could hit free agency depending on team options, while Lowe’s future may hinge on his late-season performance with Boston.
When do the 2025 MLB playoffs begin?
The Wild Card round begins Tuesday, marking the official start of the 2025 postseason.
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