The hot-hitting Texas Rangers proved that the cold weather at Wrigley Field wouldn't stop their momentum. Unfortunately, the Chicago Cubs managed to halt their winning streak, ending the Rangers' first series loss.

Still, the Rangers are sitting on top of the AL West. The 9-4 record is strong evidence that its key players from the last three-game set could do more than that. Here are the takeaways from the series that are worth the analysis.

Tyler Mahle Demonstrates His Value as Cold-Weather Gem

Texas Rangers Drop Series to Cubs, But Key Players Shine Texas Rangers Drop Series to Cubs, But Key Players Shine
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Against a backdrop where starting pitching had been hit or miss, Tyler Mahle proved himself on Wednesday. According to Sports Illustrated, the righty worked seven strong innings with two hits allowed and a lone run given up and struck out four in the process.

This was his first time throwing that deep into a game since 2022, and it was an impressive comeback from his brief first start of the year. Mahle has a 13.2-inning stat line with only five hits and two earned runs given up, justifying the Rangers' confidence in him after presenting a two-year, $22 million offer.

While his strikeout-to-walk ratio (12:7) is something he needs to work on, Mahle's control and command are definitely improving, and he is an important piece of the rotation going forward.

Marc Church Struggles But Shows Promise in Rangers' Bullpen

Texas Rangers Drop Series to Cubs, But Key Players Shine Texas Rangers Drop Series to Cubs, But Key Players Shine
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Marc Church is another standout, even though we know that his raw talent still hasn't matured fully. As a 2024 bullpen holdover, he contributed two runs, three hits, and an ominous six walks in more than 3.2 innings in four appearances.

Nevertheless, Church's underlying numbers are pointing toward success in the future. Opponents are managing only .231 off him, and he has a whiff rate that ranks in the 72nd percentile and a breaking run value that ranks in the 89th percentile, according to Statcast. These sabermetric measures suggest he's having an outsized impact than may be implied by standard numbers.

The Rangers seem willing to allow Church time to grow, particularly with a veteran bullpen giving good relief.

Josh Jung's Return Ignites Rangers' Offense

Texas Rangers Drop Series to Cubs, But Key Players Shine Texas Rangers Drop Series to Cubs, But Key Players Shine
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One of the obvious takeaways from the series is this: the Texas Rangers are just better with Josh Jung in the lineup. Since coming back from neck spasms, Jung has made an instant impact.

He was a home run short of the cycle in Tuesday's 10-6 defeat, going 3-for-5 with one RBI. Then he had a double and another RBI in Wednesday's victory. In four games this season, he's hitting .467/.467/1.200.

The Rangers are over .500 when Jung is in the lineup, highlighting just how much he is needed for their playoff aspirations. As long as he remains healthy, Texas will continue to be a perennial American League powerhouse.