The safety of fans, club employees, players and team personnel was foremost in the Texas Rangers’ decision to cancel Saturday’s Fan Fest, the annual preseason get-together.

No one with the Texas Rangers wanted to take the step they took Tuesday afternoon, but no one wanted to risk the safety of those who would be attending Fan Fest on Saturday.

The annual winter season kickoff has been canceled amid the threat of a weekend winter storm that could make travel to Globe Life Field treacherous, let alone travel for players who would be flying to the event from out of state.

Fans who had already purchased tickets will receive a refund to the same form of payment they used. The Rangers also canceled Winter Warm-Up events scheduled for Friday and Sunday.

“It’s disappointing to miss these opportunities for our fans and players to connect this offseason,” Rangers chief business officer Jim Cochrane said. “After consulting with local weather experts, it was clear that this was the right decision. We will continue to seek opportunities to deliver for our fans, and we look forward to the start of the 2026 season.”

All indications are that the Metroplex will be thrust into icy and snowy conditions beginning Friday afternoon as plunging temperatures combine with rain that will begin to fall Friday morning. The high temperatures for Saturday and Sunday are forecast to be in the mid-20s.

The Rangers met Tuesday to consider their options as forecasters were becoming more confident that winter weather is inevitable.

Not only are roads expected to be iced over, flights to DFW International Airport and Love Field will also likely be delayed or canceled. Among the players scheduled to attend who live out of state was right-hander Jacob deGrom.

Both Winter Warm-Up events scheduled for Wednesday, one in Argyle and another in Prosper, are still on, as is the Winter Caravan in Frisco — a ticketed event where autographs will be available.

Jeff Wilson, jwilson@alldlls.com