The Texas Rangers are quietly but seriously confronting a growing issue in their bullpen — and it has a name: Jacob Webb.
At first glance, Webb’s stats don’t scream disaster. A 4.46 ERA across 27 appearances this season might seem serviceable for a middle reliever. But for a team hovering around .500 and clawing for every win in a razor-thin wild card race, “serviceable” is no longer good enough. And now, following a string of tense late-inning performances, the organization appears ready to take decisive action.
According to sources close to the team, Texas has held internal discussions about roster moves in the bullpen, and Webb’s name is reportedly at the top of the “expendable” list. What’s fueling this urgency? A deeper look into his performances over the last few weeks reveals the troubling trend the front office can no longer ignore.
A Pattern That Can’t Be Ignored
The most recent alarm bells sounded during the Rangers’ 2–1 win over the Colorado Rockies on May 13. On paper, Webb was credited with his first save of the season. But anyone watching the game knew the save came with a heavy dose of panic.
After closer Luke Jackson exited with a wrist injury following a line drive off the bat of Ryan McMahon, Webb was called in to preserve the one-run lead. Instead, he immediately allowed a single, followed by a four-pitch walk, loading the bases with one out. Against a 7–33 Rockies team that has been one of the worst road squads in baseball history, Webb nearly unraveled a game the Rangers had controlled for eight innings.
Had it not been for a sharply hit grounder turned double play by Josh Jung at third, Webb might have single-handedly handed the Rockies a rare road win — and derailed momentum the Rangers had just begun to build. After the game, manager Bruce Bochy diplomatically referred to the outing as “an escape,” but insiders say the staff saw it as something else: a warning.
A Season of Shaky Command
Webb’s struggles in tight situations have become a recurring theme. Over his last 10 appearances, he’s allowed runs in four of them, posted a WHIP near 1.55, and has walked eight batters in under 10 innings. His fastball velocity is sitting just above 93 mph — down slightly from previous seasons — and his slider has lacked the sharp break needed to fool hitters in late counts.
Worse yet, he’s shown an inability to get swings and misses when it matters most. His strikeout rate has dipped to just 19.7%, while his hard-hit rate has climbed to 40.3%. Opposing hitters are not just making contact — they’re squaring him up with alarming frequency.
The Bullpen Reality
With Jackson sidelined short-term and the Rangers battling the Red Sox, Mariners, and Twins for wild card position, the margin for error is paper thin. Chris Young, president of baseball operations, has emphasized the need for “mental toughness and strike-throwing in the late innings.” Webb, once considered a dependable sixth- or seventh-inning option, now inspires more unease than confidence.
And the Rangers aren’t short on alternatives. Caleb Boushley has quietly emerged as a steady presence. Veteran right-hander Chris Martin continues to dominate in late innings with his pinpoint control. Even Shawn Armstrong, after an up-and-down April, has rediscovered his rhythm in June with four straight scoreless appearances.
Is the End Near?
As of June 17, Webb remains on the Rangers’ active roster. But that could change quickly. Sources indicate the front office is exploring bullpen upgrades ahead of the July trade deadline, with specific interest in high-leverage right-handers. If a move is made — or if Jackson returns sooner than expected — Webb may be the odd man out.
While no official announcement has been made, the writing appears to be on the wall. Webb’s role has diminished, and the leash has grown shorter. Unless he can quickly turn things around with commanding performances, his time in Arlington could be coming to an end.
For now, Jacob Webb is still wearing a Rangers jersey. But the clock is ticking. And for a team desperate to return to the postseason, sentiment will take a back seat to results.
In a season where every inning counts, the Rangers may have no choice but to cut ties — at any cost.
