The Texas Rangers are facing a historic challenge in their bid to avoid becoming the first defending World Series champions to finish with a losing record since the 2014 Boston Red Sox's 71-91 season. With just 12 games remaining, the Rangers must secure victories in 10 of these contests, an ambitious task given their recent form.
Offensive Decline
One of the glaring issues has been the team's offensive performance. Last season, the Rangers boasted an impressive 5.44 runs per game, a figure that has plummeted to 4.15 this year. This decline in production is mirrored in their OPS+, which has dropped from a robust 116 to a subpar 92. Such statistics highlight a stark contrast between seasons, underpinned by underwhelming performances from key positions.
The designated hitters, for instance, have seen a significant drop in their efficacy. While last season they combined for a .220/.315/.388 slash line with 26 home runs, this season's output has been a meager .200/.263/.309 with just 13 home runs. Notably, Travis Jankowski, who ranks fourth on the team in designated hitter starts, has struggled to fill the void left by the absent power hitters.
Injury Woes
Injuries have played a significant role in the Rangers' struggles. Josh Jung's four-month hiatus due to a broken wrist was a significant blow to the team. Pitchers have not been spared either; Jacob deGrom made his season debut only on September 13, while Max Scherzer, recovering from back surgery, returned on June 23 only to be sidelined again by a shoulder issue.
Tyler Mahle's season has been similarly plagued. After undergoing Tommy John surgery in May, he managed just three starts before a shoulder issue once more took him out of the rotation. Adding to the pitching woes, Cody Bradford missed over three months with a back injury, and Nathan Eovaldi was out for nearly a month due to a groin strain. Jon Gray also experienced injuries across the groin and foot, leading to three separate stints on the injured list.
Rising Stars and Future Prospects
Despite the challenges, there have been bright spots. Evan Carter has made a noteworthy impact since his MLB debut on September 8 last year. In 23 regular-season games, he achieved a remarkable .306/.413/.645 slash line and carried his form into the postseason with a .300/.417/.500 line. Meanwhile, Wyatt Langford, the No. 4 pick in the 2023 draft, has showcased his potential with 11 home runs through 150 games this season.
Management and Veteran Presence
General manager Chris Young's contract extension signals the organization's faith in his vision for the future. Young remains optimistic about Tyler Mahle's recovery and future contributions, stating, "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."
On the cusp of significant roster changes, veterans like Nathan Eovaldi, who will likely need a new contract if he does not pick up his $20 million player option, and free agents Andrew Heaney, José Leclerc, and Max Scherzer could usher in a new look for the Rangers next season. Aging players like Kirby Yates, 37, and David Robertson, 39, will also play pivotal roles as the team navigates this transitional phase.
Leadership's Perspective
Manager Bruce Bochy encapsulated the sentiment within the clubhouse, acknowledging the hurdles faced this season. "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."
The path ahead for the Texas Rangers remains challenging. Balancing immediate performance improvements with long-term strategic planning will be key as they look to close out the season on a high note, avoiding the ignominy of a losing record while laying the groundwork for sustained future success.