In March 1983, Stein praised the Texas Rangers new manager, Doug Rader, for working on the game in a "serious" way. On May 18, in a game against the Cleveland Indians, Stein was brought in as a pinch hitter during the 14 inning, and proceeded to get the game-winning hit for the Rangers. With Texas that year, he batted .310 with 21 runs scored, 72 hits, 15 doubles, one triple, two home runs, and 33 RBIs in 78 games played. Stein played the majority of his games at second base, but also played first base and third base. He was used as the Rangers designated hitter in six contests that year. After the season, Stein spoke out against a transaction that the Rangers made, trading Jim Sundberg to the Milwaukee Brewers, calling him a "mainstay of the organization".