The Texas Rangers just made the kind of move that stops fans in their tracks — and sends a clear message that time is running out.
In a decision that stunned much of the baseball world, the Rangers have demoted Josh Jung, their 27-year-old third baseman and one of the most promising young players in the organization, to Triple-A. It’s a bold and risky shake-up that reflects a team desperately trying to revive a lineup that’s fallen flat in a season filled with high expectations and frustrating underperformance.
Just a year ago, Jung was seen as a cornerstone piece of Texas’s future — a rising star with raw power, excellent defensive instincts, and the kind of leadership you build around. But after a brutal June where he slashed just .158/.208/.221, the Rangers made the tough call to send him down in hopes of helping him rediscover his rhythm.
General Manager Chris Young didn’t mince words about the difficulty of the decision.
“Josh is a competitor. He’s a winning player. This isn’t about giving up on him — this is about getting him right,” Young told reporters. “He’s the kind of guy who wears it when things go wrong, and we believe he’ll bounce back stronger than ever.”
At first glance, it might seem like a routine slump. In fact, through May, Jung was performing near his career averages — a .277/.321/.440 line with a 113 wRC+. But his approach in June took a nosedive, particularly against fastballs, where he seemed caught between expecting off-speed pitches and reacting too late to heaters. That hesitation showed up in soft contact, rising whiff rates, and a general loss of confidence at the plate.
What’s even more troubling is that Jung’s case isn’t isolated. His demotion marks the latest in a string of dramatic midseason moves meant to jumpstart a sputtering offense. From Jake Burger’s temporary demotion, to the firing of hitting coach Donnie Ecker, to Adolis García’s mental health break — the Rangers have been throwing every lever they can find to try and wake up their bats.
And that’s the concern. This is no longer about one player. This is about a team that can’t seem to solve its problems without drastic intervention.
The Rangers’ offense — stacked with talent on paper — ranks near the bottom of the league in production. Veterans like Marcus Semien and Joc Pederson have struggled to find consistency. Even reliable pieces like Evan Carter have faced setbacks. For a team that entered 2025 with World Series dreams, the cracks are starting to widen.
Some inside the organization point to Globe Life Field’s shift toward being more pitcher-friendly. Jung, in particular, has struggled at home, posting a 51 wRC+ in Arlington compared to 111 on the road. His batted-ball profile also shows he’s pulling the ball more at home — possibly trying to force results that just aren’t coming.
So now, the Rangers are left hoping that time in Triple-A will allow Jung to reset. Work on his timing. Regain his confidence. And return with the fire that made him one of the most exciting young infielders in the game.
Meanwhile, Josh Smith will take over third base duties for the time being, but let’s be clear — this isn’t just about who plays third. It’s about whether Texas can stop the freefall and rescue a season teetering on the edge.
Because if sending down one of your hardest-working, most talented young leaders doesn’t light a fire under this team?
Then maybe nothing will.
And if that’s the case, this bold gamble may not just define the Rangers’ summer — it may be the moment their entire season slipped away.
