The Texas Rangers face a daunting challenge as they strive to avoid becoming the first defending World Series champion to conclude the season with a losing record since the 2014 Boston Red Sox. To sidestep this ignominious fate, the Rangers need to win 10 of their final 12 games. This steep climb signifies a tumultuous season for the team that clinched a postseason berth at Game 161 last year.
Offensive Struggles
The Rangers' offensive output has been a shadow of its former self. Last season, they were a force to be reckoned with, scoring an average of 5.44 runs per game. This year, that figure has plummeted to 4.15 runs per game. The team's OPS+ has also taken a nosedive from 116 last year to 92 this season. A stark contrast can be seen in the performance of their designated hitters, who posted a .220/.315/.388 slash line with 26 home runs last season. This year, those numbers have slipped to a .200/.263/.309 slash line with just 13 home runs.
Injuries Taking Their Toll
Injuries have been a significant factor in the Rangers' struggles. Key players have missed substantial time, disrupting the team's cohesion and performance. Josh Jung missed four months with a broken wrist, while Cody Bradford was sidelined for over three months due to a back injury. Jon Gray dealt with groin and foot injuries, visiting the injured list three separate times. Max Scherzer, who underwent back surgery, missed the season's early weeks and returned on June 23, only to be sidelined again by a shoulder issue in late July. Tyler Mahle managed just three starts before a shoulder issue sidelined him, after undergoing Tommy John surgery last May. Nathan Eovaldi and Jacob deGrom also experienced significant absences.
Chris Young, whose contract was recently extended, expressed optimism about Mahle's future: "I think before the surgery, Tyler was really coming into his own, and a couple years ago he had a tremendous season. We're excited about where he is in his career with his age, the recovery he's going to make, and the ability to hopefully help our team in the second half of this season and certainly in 2025 as a mid-rotation starter and with upside potential there."
A Glimmer of Hope
Despite these setbacks, there have been some bright spots for the Rangers. Evan Carter, who made his MLB debut on September 8 last year, has shown promise with a .306/.413/.645 slash line in 23 regular-season games and a .300/.417/.500 line in the postseason. Wyatt Langford, the No. 4 pick in the 2023 draft, has also made a notable impact with 11 home runs through 150 team games this season.
The resilience of these young talents provides a positive outlook for the future, even as the team grapples with its current struggles. The Rangers' designated hitter rotation has also seen some unexpected contributions, with Travis Jankowski ranking fourth in starts as a designated hitter.
Looking Ahead
As the season winds down, the Rangers face decisions that will shape their roster moving forward. Nathan Eovaldi will need a new contract, assuming he doesn't pick up his $20 million player option. The team also has several free agents, including Andrew Heaney, José Leclerc, and Max Scherzer.
Veteran players Kirby Yates and David Robertson, at 37 and 39 years old respectively, bring experience but also the inevitable questions about longevity and performance consistency. Furthermore, the progression of top picks like Jack Leiter, the No. 2 draft pick, will be crucial for the Rangers' rebuilding efforts.
Rangers manager Bruce Bochy summarized the season's difficulties succinctly: "It's been talked about so much, how difficult it is to repeat. There's been a number of reasons why we're not where we want to be. Every season is different, it takes a life of its own, whether guys aren't having their normal years or injuries. Our goal is to finish strong here."
Bochy's words encapsulate the prevailing sentiment in the Rangers' clubhouse. As the team battles to avoid an unenviable place in baseball history, the focus remains on ending the season on a high note and building towards a more successful future.