While Fergie Jenkins cemented his first-ballot Cooperstown credentials with the Cubs, his tenure in Texas was anything but tranquil. He was acquired by the Texas Rangers before the 1974 season in a major trade that sent future batting champion Bill Madlock to Chicago. The tall Canadian right-hander came to Arlington as an established workhorse, poised to lead a franchise in transition.
His debut summer in Texas is arguably the most outstanding individual pitching season in team history. Leading a significant turnaround for a club that had fallen to last place the previous year, Jenkins confused American League batters with his precise control and relentless downward-breaking slider. His 1974 season was exceptional, setting franchise records that remain unbroken: a 25–12 record, 225 strikeouts, and an incredible 328 innings pitched over 41 starts. He finished 29 games himself, allowing the bullpen to rest and narrowly missed winning the AL Cy Young Award, placing second to Catfish Hunter, while also earning AL Comeback Player of the Year.
Following a durable 1975 season, the front office briefly traded the veteran to the Boston Red Sox for two years. However, Arlington's pull led Jenkins back to the Rangers in 1978, marking a highly successful second phase. In his mid-to-late 30s, his consistent performance was a key stabilizer. He posted an impressive 18–8 record with a 3.04 ERA in 1978 and pitched another 259 innings the next summer, helping keep the Rangers competitive in a tough AL West.
After a tough 1981 season, all good things ended as Jenkins left Texas. At 38, his performance declined, and he mostly served as a swingman, rotating between starting and relieving. Seeing the Rangers focus on younger pitchers, he became a free agent after the season. This led to a fitting return, as he rejoined the Chicago Cubs to end his career where it all started, bringing his Texas chapter to a close.
Across six Texas seasons over two stints (1974–1975, 1978–1981), Jenkins made 197 appearances (190 starts), with a 93–72 record, 3.56 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, 1,391 innings, and 80 complete games. He entered the Rangers Hall of Fame in 2004.
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