As the regular season winds down, the Texas Rangers are on the verge of an ignominious milestone: potentially becoming the first defending World Series champion to finish the season with a losing record since the 2014 Boston Red Sox. To avoid this fate, the Rangers need to win 10 of their final 12 games—a tall order given their struggles this season.
Offensive Shortfalls
The disparity in the Rangers' offensive performance from last season to this one is glaring. Last year, the team scored an average of 5.44 runs per game, a figure that buoyed their postseason aspirations. This season, however, they've managed only 4.15 runs per game. The decline is evident in their OPS+ as well, plummeting from 116 last year to 92 this year.
The woes extend to their designated hitters, who last season combined for a slash line of .220/.315/.388 with 26 home runs. This season, they've slumped to a .200/.263/.309 line with just 13 home runs. Injuries have also played a significant role, with Josh Jung missing four months due to a broken wrist.
Injury Woes
The Rangers' pitching staff has had its share of injury issues too. Jacob deGrom only made his season debut on September 13, while Max Scherzer missed the first few weeks of the season following back surgery. Scherzer returned on June 23 and managed eight starts before a shoulder issue sidelined him again in late July. Tyler Mahle underwent Tommy John surgery in May after making only three starts.
Other contributors like Cody Bradford missed over three months, and Nathan Eovaldi was sidelined for nearly a month with a groin strain. Jon Gray has faced a spate of groin and foot injuries, leading to three separate stints on the injured list.
Young Talent and Veteran Presence
Despite these difficulties, there are bright spots among the younger roster members. Evan Carter, who made his MLB debut last September, impressed 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 already hit 11 home runs through 150 team games this season.
The Rangers' front office remains optimistic about their injured players' futures. General Manager Chris Young expressed confidence in Tyler Mahle's recovery, 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."
Contract Decisions Loom
As the team looks ahead, there's a mix of new contracts and upcoming free agents to consider. Nathan Eovaldi, should he not pick up his $20 million player option, will need a new contract. Notably, Chris Young has also had his contract recently extended, reflecting the organization's faith in his leadership despite the tough season.
Veterans like Kirby Yates, at 37, and David Robertson, at 39, add experience but also come with the uncertainty typical for players of their age. Additionally, free agents such as Andrew Heaney, José Leclerc, and Max Scherzer will weigh their options, potentially moving on from the team.
Challenges and Resolve
Manager Bruce Bochy encapsulated the team's season, 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."
With 12 games remaining, the Texas Rangers face the daunting task of closing the season on a high note to avoid an undesirable record. While the road has been fraught with challenges, the emergence of young talents and the potential return of key injured players offer a glimmer of hope for the future—even if this season doesn't culminate as they had hoped.