Jake Burger’s time with the Texas Rangers has taken an unexpected turn. After joining the team with high hopes, Burger faced significant challenges at the plate. On May 1, 2025, Texas made the tough decision to option their newly acquired first baseman to Triple-A, aiming to give him a much-needed "reset". Let’s break down the reasons for this move and what it signals for the Rangers going forward.

Jake Burger’s Struggles with the Rangers

The Rangers acquired Jake Burger in December, trading three prospects to the Miami Marlins with the goal of boosting their offense. However, Burger has struggled in his new role. Over his first 29 games, he managed just a .190 batting average and a .561 OPS. These numbers were far below expectations, especially for a player brought in to stabilize the first base position.

Baseball insiders noted that despite Burger’s track record as a power hitter, he has not found his groove in Texas. According to sources, the plan is to allow Burger some time in the minors to refocus and ideally regain his confidence at the plate. For more details on the club's difficult decision, read The Athletic’s coverage on Jake Burger's demotion.

Why the Demotion Now?

Early in the 2025 season, the Rangers have struggled offensively, ranking near the bottom of the league in runs scored. The pressure was mounting on the Texas front office to make changes. Rangers General Manager Chris Young hinted that a shake-up could be imminent, and Burger—having one option left—became the logical candidate for a temporary move.

Analysts have pointed out that while Burger’s strikeout rate is concerning, his underlying stats suggest a turnaround could be possible. His hard-hit percentage and barrel rate remain strong, indicating that some of his struggles could be due to bad luck. Still, the team needed immediate results. For a deeper statistical analysis, check out the story at MLB Trade Rumors.

Who Replaces Jake Burger?

With Burger heading to Triple-A, the Rangers are calling up Blaine Crim. Crim, who has been performing well at Triple-A, now has the opportunity to make an impact at first base. The move also involved roster adjustments, including the designation of shortstop Nick Ahmed for assignment and the call-up of utility infielder Jonathan Ornelas.

Burger is expected to stay in the minors for at least ten days, which is the minimum allowed before a player can be recalled. During that time, Texas hopes that a "reset" will put Burger back on track. For the latest on who’s stepping in and organizational changes, see the report from Lone Star Ball.

What’s Next for Jake Burger and the Rangers?

Despite his slow start, Jake Burger remains under team control for several seasons. His power potential is still a valuable asset for the Rangers, especially if he can adjust and regain his form at the plate. Texas, meanwhile, continues to search for the right combination to spark their offense and climb in the AL West standings.

The coming weeks will be crucial for both Jake Burger and the Texas Rangers. Fans will be watching closely to see if Burger’s stint in Triple-A leads to a strong return, or if Blaine Crim’s promotion sparks a new era at first base. Stay tuned for developments as the season unfolds.