Texas Rangers first baseman Jake Burger recently faced an emotional week off the field. Instead of getting ready for spring training in Arizona like other baseball players, he made a heartfelt decision to rush back home to Nashville to support his four-month-old daughter named Penelope during her challenging open heart surgery at Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital on February 24th. The medical intervention was required because of a heart condition since birth that is associated with Down syndrome (Trisomy 21), a diagnosis they received prior to Penelope being born on October 25th.

Burger and his wife, Ashlyn, shared their gratitude for the medical team, particularly Dr. Carlos Mery, who led the operation. “We do not have words that express our gratitude,” Ashlyn wrote on social media. “Your prayers were answered and heard.” Now, with the procedure behind them, Burger has provided an uplifting update: Penelope is recovering well.

“It went smoothly,” Burger said Thursday as per MLB.com. “It was just an unbelievable staff, top to bottom,” Burger said after the surgery. “I don’t envy those doctors or nurses for what they deal with on a daily basis. We go out here and play a children’s game, and they’re out here saving lives every single day. We’re really lucky we had such a great team there.”

Despite the emotional toll, Burger wasted no time getting back to business. Less than a week after Penelope’s surgery, he returned to the Rangers’ camp—and in his first game back, he crushed a home run. Even more special? He did it while wearing Penelope’s hospital band on his wrist.

“I was just happy to be back,” Burger said. “But yeah, that one felt extra special.” Burger has made it clear that his daughter’s journey is now part of his own. He chose to wear No. 21 with the Rangers in honor of Trisomy 21, the genetic condition that causes Down syndrome.

“This is the first time I’ve been able to pick a number that really means something,” he said. “It’s not just for me—it’s for Penelope, and for so many others.”

Now, with Penelope recovering, Burger is shifting his focus back to baseball. “It’s about getting her healthy, getting her and the family down to Texas, and getting ready for the season.”

No Distractions, Just Determination: Burger’s Focus on 2025

With his daughter’s surgery behind him and her recovery going well, Jake Burger can finally shift his full attention back to baseball. For the first time in months, he doesn’t have to juggle medical updates with spring training preparation. Now, his focus is locked on proving himself with the Texas Rangers.

Doesn’t mean there are no challenges of adjusting to a new team or carving out his role in the lineup. But everything he and his family have been through, this, at least, feels manageable. “It’s tough, but it makes you appreciate every moment,” Burger said. “Now, it’s about locking in and doing what I can to help this team win.”

In his stint with the Marlins last year he hit 29 home runs and brought in 76 RBIs with a batting line of.250/.301/.460 and a solid 103 wRC+. His OPS of.760 and 23 doubles showcase his knack for producing hits that could be valuable for the Rangers in boosting their lineup strength. In the end, he has mainly operated at base and designated hitter positions but there’s also a possibility of him getting some play time at first base.

Now that he is feeling more focused, with his daughter’s recovery progressing well and his thoughts clear in Texas for 2025, how well do you think Jake Burger’s ability to play defensively will align with the Rangers’ strategies and goals?