Best Rangers of all time, by jersey number

6:04 AM UTC

ARLINGTON -- Who was the best player to wear each number in Rangers history? Here is our list with some managers and coaches mixed in. Thanks to Joe Siegler, long-time Rangers fan who has tracked every number used in club history, including Spring Training.

His four-year batting average of .319 is the highest in Rangers history for a player with a minimum of 300 games.

Prominent No. 1’s include Scott Fletcher, Jeff Frye, Bump Wills and Billy Martin, but Andrus is the clear winner.

This was actually Michael Young’s number in his rookie season.

Alex Rodriguez wore it for his three seasons with the Rangers, but McLemore wore it for three postseasons.

The starting center fielder on the 1996 division championship team.

This is one of the harder decisions, as was a three-time All-Star during the best stretch of baseball in franchise history. But Seager became the franchise shortstop in his first season as a Ranger in 2022, earning three All-Star appearances, an AL MVP runner-up finish in '23 and World Series MVP in the first title in franchise history. 

6: Tom Grieve

“Tag” is far more known for what he has done after hanging up the uniform.

Cue up the theme from "The Magnificent Seven."

He spent 15 years as Rangers hitting coach.

The most famous No. 9 in baseball history is Ted Williams. He wore it in his one year as Rangers manager.

The Rangers retired it for Young. Jim Sundberg was also worthy of the honor and Young graciously acknowledged that during his ceremony.

The All-Star shortstop gets the nod over Yu Darvish.

Let's also give a hat tip to long-time catcher Geno Petralli.

The kid from Las Vegas doesn’t worry about unlucky numbers.

He was a three-time All-Star and 1991 AL batting champion.

Managed the Rangers to the first World Series championship in franchise history in 2023.

He was the power-hitting third baseman on the 1996 championship team.

Two major postseason heroes. Feel free to argue among yourselves.

Pat Putnam was a similar player, but Moreland was in two World Series.

The uniform he wore while winning two MVP Awards.

The 1974 American League MVP.

The same uniform number worn by Roberto Clemente.

Thrill over Boo. Steve Buechele also wore the number.

Excellent player. Excellent trade.

He was an underrated reliever for the Rangers in 1981-85. Bobby Bonds and Hunter Pence also wore the number for one year.

The best to wear the number, but Buddy Bell is the one in the Rangers Hall of Fame.

Managed the Rangers to three division titles and the uniform is now retired.

There are multiple intriguing choices -- Todd Zeile, Dick Bosman -- but Guerrero helped the Rangers get to the World Series in 2010.

He wore it better as a reliever than he did as a starter.

The number is retired because of Beltré, but it was also worn by Rusty Greer and Pete Incaviglia.

The Rangers closer for two World Series.

He holds the Rangers single-season record with 25 wins in 1974.

He had five amazing seasons with the Rangers and a messy encore return.

He had one abbreviated season with the Rangers but was Mr. Senator in Washington.

Were you expecting Dale Mohorcic or Paul Mirabella?

Argue among yourselves.

What an absolutely fascinating trio for one number.

Perfect game.

He belongs in the Rangers Hall of Fame. End of discussion.

The answer to the future trivia question: Who was the Rangers Opening Day pitcher in 2010 when they went to their first World Series?

Made it to the Rangers Hall of Fame after a number of standout seasons in their bullpen.

The best pitcher ever drafted by the Rangers.

It was actually worn by another Hall of Famer while with the Rangers. That would be Nellie Fox, who was a coach under Williams.

The uniform really stood out when Lowe had Angel -- his 6-foot boa constrictor -- wrapped around it.

He was a valuable starter and reliever for the Rangers in 1978-84.

A huge fan favorite in Texas because he was a good pitcher and a better person.

He wore several different numbers as a player and a coach. This was one of them.

He was used in left field but was better at designated hitter.

The best postseason pitcher in Rangers history.

The all-time winningest pitcher in Rangers history.

He was the Rangers closer in 1993-94.

He is still trying to come back from Tommy John surgery.

Another hard-throwing reliever who flamed out too quickly.

The 2023 ALCS MVP slashed .323/.382/.726 with a 197 wRC+, an MLB-record 22 RBIs and eight home runs in the 2023 postseason. The Rangers without a doubt do not win without him. 

One brief shining moment.

The Rangers' DH for a couple of years in 1991-92 but is best known for his years with the Angels.

The hard-throwing reliever went with Gonzalez to the Tigers in that 1999 trade.

The answer to the trivia question: Who was the pitcher the Rangers got from the Blue Jays along with Young for Esteban Loaiza?

Two side-arming left-handed relievers with similar ability.

He was an All-Star as a starter for the Rangers in 1996, but then was put in the bullpen for the playoffs.

The Mad Dog was a Rangers reliever in 2008-09.

Can’t list this number without bringing up the name of Chan Ho Park.

He was much better wearing this number before switching to No. 25.

Here today, gone to Minnesota.

Better with the guitar than on the mound.

We are running out of steam here.

Just finished his 14th season as the Rangers bullpen catcher.

67:  

Recency bias and slim pickings -- only five players in franchise history have worn the number -- leave the Rangers’ 2026 All-Star close the best with this number.

After 13 years in the Minor Leagues, he was called up to the Rangers in September 2014 and played in seven games.

Working his way back from shoulder surgery.

He has since moved up to 56 and 23.

Team mascot Ranger Captain also wears this number in honor of the Rangers moving to Texas in 1972.

Rougned Odor also wore this early in his career.

NFL Hall of Fame linebacker Sam Huff wore No. 70.

The Rangers’ 2026 Rookie of the Year is one of just two players to wear the number in franchise history. Another recency bias pick.

He is more the wide receiver-type than a lineman.

Pitched for the Rangers in 2015-16. 

He has since moved up to 60.

The only player to wear the number in franchise history.

He wore No. 28 in Milwaukee and Detroit but decided on a fresh start with the year he was born.

He was with the Orioles as a utility infielder. Cal Ripken Jr. was No. 8 so Gonzales went 88 because it was infinite and consistent.