HOUSTON, Texas (KBTX) – Inside the visitors’ clubhouse at Daiken Park in Houston, Michael Helman blends in seamlessly with his Texas Rangers teammates. Wearing the team’s batting practice gear, he lounges on a clubhouse couch, casually scrolling his phone and chatting with fellow players. It’s a snapshot of someone who looks and feels right at home in the major leagues.
And over the past six weeks, Helman has proven he belongs — stepping up as a key contributor for a Rangers squad dealing with a wave of injuries.
“He’s brought a ton of energy and really delivered when we’ve needed him,” said Rangers manager Bruce Bochy. “He’s worked hard for this shot, and he’s absolutely making the most of it.”
Helman, a former 11th-round pick in the 2018 MLB Draft by the Minnesota Twins, has taken a winding path to the majors. Across seven seasons in the minors, he posted a solid stat line (.256/.328/.435, 76 home runs, 288 RBIs). After a brief MLB debut with the Twins in 2024, Helman was traded to the Cardinals, then picked up by the Pirates — though he never appeared in a game for Pittsburgh. In May, Texas claimed him off waivers.
When injuries hit the Rangers’ roster in July, Helman was called up from Triple-A Round Rock, where he was hitting .245 with 8 home runs and 32 RBIs. The timing came as a surprise to him, but he embraced the chance.
“I wasn’t even playing my best baseball,” Helman said. “But when a team needs you, and you can fill that role, you have to step in and do your part.”
By late August, his contributions were impossible to ignore. Over seven games, Helman posted a .315 batting average with a .409 on-base percentage and a .684 slugging percentage — an OPS of 1.093. He also added two home runs and six RBIs in that stretch.
Then came a breakout series against the Milwaukee Brewers at Globe Life Field in early September. Helman launched two home runs, including the team’s only grand slam of the season, and began a seven-game hitting streak. He even made a highlight-reel catch at the wall to rob a home run, helping the Rangers sweep the Brewers.
“That whole series was a blur,” he said. “I had so much adrenaline, I barely slept. It was amazing to play like that against such a strong team — and sweep them at home.”
Despite the grand slam being a season-defining moment for the fans, Helman didn’t even see it leave the park — his helmet had shifted, and he assumed he’d pulled the ball foul. Only the crowd’s roar confirmed it was fair.
Since joining the Rangers, Helman’s performance has caught the attention of Texas A&M fans and alumni statewide. From Aggies reaching out with congratulations to maroon shirts popping up at batting practice, the support hasn’t gone unnoticed.
“Being part of that Aggie family means a lot,” Helman said. “Every time I’ve hit a homer, I’ve thrown up the ‘Gig ’em’ at second base.”
He and his wife now call College Station home during the offseason, where he’s remained connected with the Aggie baseball program and head coach Michael Earley.
While the Rangers are set to miss the postseason and wrap their season in Cleveland, Helman’s strong finish and positive clubhouse presence have made a lasting impression. His one-year contract with Texas ends this year, but his recent performance has likely opened more doors for 2026.
Even now, Helman still feels awe-struck around baseball’s elite. One such moment came when he shared the clubhouse with superstar pitcher Jacob deGrom.
“I’m still blown away sometimes,” Helman admitted. “To be here, to have this opportunity, and to feel so much support — it means the world.”
