During the season’s second game, the Texas Rangers honored their current and former players with 2023 World Series rings in a pre-game ceremony at Globe Life Field. The ceremony recognized the players from the previous year’s team, but also presented rings to those who had moved on. This was possible due to Major League Baseball’s new schedule that ensures every team plays against each other at least once in a season.
The Rangers recently presented Seattle Mariners catcher Mitch Garver with his World Series ring during a homestand. In Kansas City, three Royals players – pitchers Cole Ragans, Chris Stratton, and Will Smith – received their rings from the Rangers. Although Ragans was not with the team during the World Series victory, he played with them for the first three months of the season. Stratton was acquired by the Rangers from St. Louis Cardinals along with Jordan Montgomery, who is now playing for Arizona Diamondbacks. Smith has an impressive distinction of being part of three consecutive World Series-winning teams – the Rangers, Houston Astros in 2022 and Atlanta Braves in 2021.
Unfortunately, some former Rangers players are still waiting to receive their World Series rings, including Jordan Montgomery, Aroldis Chapman and Austin Hedges. The Rangers plan to continue honoring their former players as they face them throughout the season.