As the season winds down, the Texas Rangers find themselves on the brink of an unwanted distinction. With 12 games remaining, the team needs to pull off a herculean effort—winning 10 out of their remaining matchups—to avoid becoming the first defending World Series champion to finish with a losing record since the 2014 Boston Red Sox, who posted a dismal 71-91 season.
Last year, the Rangers' performance was a cause for celebration, as they secured a postseason berth as late as Game 161. The team managed to score an impressive 5.44 runs per game, boasting an OPS+ of 116. However, this season has been a different story. Their offensive production has waned significantly, tallying a mere 4.15 runs per game, with an OPS+ plummeting to 92.
The designated hitters, who were instrumental last year with a combined .220/.315/.388 slash line and 26 home runs, have also seen a decline. This season, their numbers dipped to a .200/.263/.309 slash line and just 13 home runs. A myriad of injuries has plagued the team, further complicating their prospects of finishing strong.
Injury Plagues and Struggles
Josh Jung, who missed four months due to a broken wrist, exemplifies the injury woes that have hit the Rangers hard this season. Travis Jankowski, despite not being a front-runner, ranks fourth on the team in designated hitter starts, showcasing the depth issues caused by injuries.
Pitching, a crucial cornerstone for any championship-caliber team, has been equally unlucky. Jacob deGrom, a key offseason acquisition, made his season debut only on September 13. Max Scherzer, another stalwart, spent the first few weeks recuperating from back surgery, and after returning on June 23, made eight starts before a shoulder issue sidelined him again in late July.
Tyler Mahle, another promising pitcher, underwent Tommy John surgery last May and managed only three starts before a shoulder issue put him back on the injured list. Cody Bradford missed over three months dealing with a back injury, and Nathan Eovaldi was sidelined nearly a month by a groin strain. Jon Gray's groin and foot issues meant three separate visits to the injured list. It has been one ailment after another, and the results have been clear on the field.
Emerging Stars and Future Hope
Despite the gloom of recurring injuries and underperformance, there have been glimmers of hope. Evan Carter made his MLB debut last September 8 and showcased remarkable stats with a .306/.413/.645 slash line in 23 regular-season games and a .300/.417/.500 line in the postseason.
Meanwhile, Wyatt Langford, who was the No. 4 pick in the 2023 draft, has made his presence felt by hitting 11 home runs through 150 games this season. The Rangers have invested in youth, looking towards players like Carter and Langford to bolster their roster in the coming years.
The Road Ahead
General Manager Chris Young, whose contract was recently extended, pointed out Tyler Mahle's potential. "I think before the surgery, Tyler was really coming into his own, and a couple of 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 with upside potential there," Young noted.
Key players are nearing the end of their contracts, which will be another critical aspect to manage in the offseason. Nathan Eovaldi, for instance, will need a new deal unless he picks up his $20 million player option. Veterans like Kirby Yates (37 years old) and David Robertson (39 years old) also factor into the equation, along with free agents Andrew Heaney, José Leclerc, and Max Scherzer.
Against this backdrop, Manager Bruce Bochy's comments encapsulate the sentiment within the team. "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," he stated.
With the final stretch of the season ahead, the Texas Rangers face both immense challenges and flickers of promise. The results of these final games will not just define this season, but also set the tone for the future of a franchise that is eager to reclaim its former glory.