Texas Rangers vs Cleveland Guardians Picks and Predictions for Friday, September 26, 2025

By: David Anicetti Published 09/26/2025, 12:15 AM ET

The Texas Rangers visit the Cleveland Guardians on Friday at Progressive Field with the first pitch at 7:10 PM ET on MLB.TV. Texas beat Minnesota 4–2 on Wednesday and is 80–78, third in the AL West. Cleveland beat Detroit 5–1 on Wednesday and is 86–72, first in the AL Central. Texas has been eliminated from postseason contention, while Cleveland leads the AL Central with four games remaining. Our free MLB picks will help you hit a grand slam.

Texas Rangers Preview

Jack Leiter takes the mound for Texas with a 9–10 record and a 3.92 ERA. He has 138 strikeouts in 144.2 innings, but has issued 66 walks. His ability to stay ahead in counts is important since the Rangers' bullpen has had to work too many innings on the road. Texas has pitched well overall with a 3.45 team ERA and has relied on keeping games close.

The Rangers' lineup has shown power but has not been consistent. Texas is hitting .235 as a team with 172 home runs. Adolis García has 18 home runs and 74 RBI, Wyatt Langford has 22 homers and 62 RBI with a .344 on-base percentage, and Corey Seager adds 21 home runs and 50 RBI with a .373 OBP. Texas has struggled away from home with a 32–46 road record, so scoring early runs will be key to giving the bullpen rest.

Cleveland Guardians Preview

Slade Cecconi starts for Cleveland with a 7–6 record and a 4.15 ERA. He has 106 strikeouts in 128 innings while walking just 31, which helps him limit baserunners. The right-hander’s ability to avoid mistakes matters against a Texas lineup that relies on the long ball. Cleveland’s pitching has been reliable with a 3.68 ERA, and the club has been tough at Progressive Field, going 43–34.

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Cleveland does not hit for a high average, but they find ways to score with their top hitters. José Ramírez leads with 30 home runs and 84 RBI while hitting .284 with a .360 on-base percentage. Steven Kwan adds 169 hits and 29 doubles while putting the ball in play often. The Guardians have won four of their last five games, and a solid balance of pitching and timely hitting has helped them reach the top of the division.

Texas Rangers vs Cleveland Guardians Prediction

Cleveland has the home-field advantage and has played better heading into this matchup. If Cecconi limits walks and keeps the ball in the park, the Guardians should create enough runs against Leiter to hold an advantage late. Texas has home run threats in the lineup, but Cleveland’s recent momentum and strong home record make the difference. Final Score Prediction: Cleveland Guardians win 5–3.