On this episode of Just Wondering, Norm Hitzges sits down with longtime Texas Rangers beat reporter Evan Grant to examine one of the most pivotal offseasons the franchise has faced in years. With Bruce Bochy and Mike Maddox gone, Skip Schumacher stepping in, and payroll reductions looming, the Rangers must decide whether they are still building to contend—or preparing to reset. Evan offers candid insight into the front office’s thinking, the financial squeeze tied to TV revenue losses, and what roster changes may look like—from Adolis García and Jonah Heim, to a potential move involving Marcus Semien, Corey Seager, or even Jacob deGrom.

They also tackle whether the Rangers’ offensive philosophy has stalled, how Josh Jung and Jake Burger fit into the new approach, and whether the organization can finally develop its own pitching. Along the way: cat diplomacy, rescue dogs, and a little baseball soul-searching.

A thoughtful and revealing conversation for any Rangers fan wondering what comes next.

Chapters

00:00:00 – Norm Sets the Stage: GM Meetings, Offseason Uncertainty

00:00:33 – Title Sponsor: Fluent Financial

00:01:35 – Introducing Evan Grant: Perspective from Decades on the Rangers Beat

00:02:32 – Bruce Bochy’s Exit: Mutual Decision or Push Out the Door?

00:03:54 – The Loss of Mike Maddox and What “Respect” Means in Baseball

00:06:28 – Will Coaching Changes Actually Hurt the 2026 Team?

00:07:57 – The Real Issue: Payroll Cuts and Financial Restraints

00:09:49 – TV Revenue Decline and Attendance Drop: The Business Side

00:10:57 – Who Goes? The Cases of García, Heim, and Semien

00:12:53 – Could Seager or deGrom Be Moved? Trade Value vs. Reality

00:13:36 – Competing While Cutting Costs: Does the Plan Make Sense?

00:15:05 – Rebuilding the Offense: From Swinging Big to Contact & Situational Hitting

00:16:38 – The Josh Jung Question: Bounce Back or Plateau?

00:18:44 – Plate Discipline Problems: “If You Don’t Walk, You Better Rake”

00:20:14 – Skip Schumacher’s Offensive Philosophy: No More Lazy At-Bats

00:21:06 – Why the Rangers Have Struggled to Develop Pitching for 30 Years

00:22:38 – And Now… The Cats. Yes, the Cats.

00:24:14 – A Menagerie at Home: Rescues All Around

00:24:45 – A Final Exchange of Respect, Friendship, and Baseball Curiosity

00:25:05 – Bob’s Steak & Chop House Message

00:26:23 – Full Moon Healing Balm Message

00:27:04 – Thanks to Sponsors & Production Team

00:28:19 – Closing Notes: “This is a Stolen Water Media Production”

Check us out: patreon.com/sunsetloungedfw

Instagram: sunsetloungedfw

Tiktok: sunsetloungedfw

X: SunsetLoungeDFW

FB: Sunset Lounge DFW