The Texas Rangers find themselves in a precarious position as they approach the final stretch of the season. Faced with the daunting task of winning 10 of their last 12 games, the team aims to circumvent becoming the first defending World Series champion to finish with a losing record since the 2014 Boston Red Sox, who went 71-91.
Last year, the Rangers clinched a postseason berth at Game 161, propelled by a potent offense that scored 5.44 runs per game. This season, however, the team's performance has diminished, managing just 4.15 runs per game. The drop in offensive productivity is underscored by their OPS+ plummeting from 116 to 92.
A Struggling Lineup
The designated hitters, a significant component of last year's success, have notably underperformed. In the previous season, they posted a .220/.315/.388 slash line with 26 home runs. This year, those numbers have slumped to .200/.263/.309 with merely 13 home runs, a stark contrast to their once formidable presence at the plate. Key injuries have played a role as well. Josh Jung missed four critical months with a broken wrist, and Travis Jankowski, who is originally outfielder, has found himself ranked fourth in designated hitter starts—an indication of the lack of stable options in that role.
Pitching Woes
The pitching staff has also been marred by injuries and setbacks. Jacob deGrom, much anticipated for his talent, made his season debut only on September 13. Meanwhile, Max Scherzer missed the early season due to back surgery. Though he returned on June 23, a shoulder issue sidelined him again after just eight starts. Tyler Mahle endured a similar fate, undergoing Tommy John surgery in May after managing only three starts. Cody Bradford and Nathan Eovaldi have also faced significant time on the injured list, and Jon Gray has dealt with multiple injuries affecting his groin and foot.
Bright Spots Amid the Challenges
Despite these struggles, there have been glimpses of promise. Evan Carter, who made his MLB debut last year, delivered an impressive .306/.413/.645 slash line in 23 regular-season games and continued his form in the postseason with a .300/.417/.500 line. Additionally, Wyatt Langford, the No. 4 pick in the 2023 draft, has shown potential with 11 home runs through 150 team games.
Reflecting on the season, manager Bruce Bochy remarked, "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."
Future Considerations
As the season winds down, the Rangers' front office faces crucial decisions. Chris Young, whose contract was recently extended, must decide the future of key players. Nathan Eovaldi will need a new contract unless he opts for his $20 million player option. Veterans like Kirby Yates and David Robertson, aged 37 and 39 respectively, present additional considerations, as do free agents Andrew Heaney, José Leclerc, and Max Scherzer.
Despite the hurdles, Young remains optimistic about the team's future, particularly regarding players like Tyler Mahle. "I think before the surgery, Tyler was really coming into his own, and a couple of years ago he had a tremendous season," Young said. "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."
The Texas Rangers find themselves contending against both their opponents and their own limitations as they strive to end the season on a high note. With critical games ahead and significant decisions looming, the coming weeks will be pivotal in shaping the team's immediate and long-term future.