Texas Rangers Face Uphill Battle in Closing Games
The Texas Rangers, after a triumphant World Series victory last year, now find themselves grappling with the harsh realities of a challenging season. To avoid becoming the first defending World Series champions to end the season with a losing record since the 2014 Boston Red Sox, the Rangers need to win 10 of their final 12 games. Achieving such a feat is easier said than done for a team that has struggled to replicate last year's form.
One significant factor in the Rangers' struggles has been their declining offensive output. The team, which scored 5.44 runs per game last season, has managed only 4.15 runs per game this year. The team's OPS+ has also dropped starkly from 116 last year to 92 this season. These statistics highlight a collective drop in performance that has undoubtedly influenced their position in the standings.
The designated hitter position, in particular, has seen a major decrease in productivity. Whereas last season's designated hitters boasted a .220/.315/.388 slash line with 26 home runs, this season's designated hitters have mustered only a .200/.263/.309 slash line with 13 home runs. This decline has contributed significantly to the overall woes at the plate.
Injuries have also played a pivotal role in the Rangers' season. Josh Jung missed four months with a broken wrist, while Travis Jankowski, who ranks fourth on the team in designated hitter starts, is part of a roster shaken by continuous setbacks. Pitchers like Jacob deGrom and Max Scherzer have struggled with injuries too. DeGrom made his season debut as late as September 13, while Scherzer missed the first few weeks due to back surgery and later, after returning on June 23 for eight starts, was sidelined again in late July with a shoulder issue.
Adding to the list of sidelined players, Tyler Mahle underwent Tommy John surgery in May, managing only three starts before another shoulder issue affected him. Cody Bradford missed over three months with a back injury, Nathan Eovaldi was out nearly a month with a groin strain, and Jon Gray dealt with groin and foot injuries, visiting the injured list three separate times.
Despite the adversity, there have been some bright spots. Evan Carter, who made his MLB debut on September 8 last year, showcased promising stats with a .306/.413/.645 slash line in 23 regular-season games and a .300/.417/.500 line in the postseason. Another rookie, Wyatt Langford, selected fourth overall in the 2023 draft, has hit 11 home runs through 150 games this season, signaling potential future stars for the Rangers.
The front office also has some decisions to make. Chris Young's contract extension is a vote of confidence in the management's vision, but the team must address free agent statuses for players like Andrew Heaney, José Leclerc, and Max Scherzer. Nathan Eovaldi's fate also hangs in the balance, assuming he doesn't pick up his $20 million player option.
Veteran presence, however, is a mixed bag. While 37-year-old Kirby Yates and 39-year-old David Robertson bring experience, the team has to weigh their performance potential carefully. Manager Bruce Bochy acknowledged the struggles, stating, "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." These words underscore the unpredictable nature of each season.
In the realm of pitching, Chris Young remains optimistic about Tyler Mahle's future despite his current setbacks. Young expressed his hope by saying, "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."
As the season draws to a close, the Texas Rangers face an uphill battle. The question remains whether they can string together the necessary wins to avoid a historic low point. The answers will unfold over the final 12 games, and fans will be watching closely, hoping for a strong finish to a turbulent season.