Final Push for the Texas Rangers
The Texas Rangers find themselves in a precarious position as they enter the final stretch of the season. With 10 wins needed out of their last 12 games to avoid becoming the first defending World Series champion to finish with a losing record since the 2014 Boston Red Sox, the pressure is squarely on their shoulders. Last year's success, which saw them clinch a postseason berth at Game 161, now feels like a distant memory.
One of the primary culprits for their struggles this season has been the significant drop in offensive production. Last year, the Rangers averaged a robust 5.44 runs per game. This season, that figure has plummeted to 4.15 runs per game. The team's OPS+ also took a hit, dropping from 116 to 92. The designated hitters, in particular, have seen their performance nosedive, going from a .220/.315/.388 slash line with 26 home runs last season to a paltry .200/.263/.309 with just 13 home runs this year.
Injuries have plagued the Rangers and played a starring role in their downturn. Josh Jung's four-month absence due to a broken wrist is a notable example. Travis Jankowski, surprisingly ranking fourth on the team in designated hitter starts, underscores the depth issues they have faced.
The Injury Bug Bites Hard
Jacob deGrom, a vital piece of their pitching rotation, made his season debut only on September 13, which hindered the Rangers significantly. Max Scherzer's season was equally turbulent; after missing the first few weeks due to back surgery, he returned on June 23 but managed just eight starts before a shoulder issue sidelined him again in late July. Tyler Mahle also faced a frustrating season, undergoing Tommy John surgery last May and making only three starts before another shoulder issue put him out of action.
Other key contributors like Cody Bradford, who missed over three months with a back injury, Nathan Eovaldi, who was out nearly a month with a groin strain, and Jon Gray, who dealt with groin and foot injuries and visited the injured list three separate times, tell a sobering story of a team ravaged by injuries.
Despite these setbacks, Chris Young remains optimistic about Tyler Mahle's future contributions. "I think before the surgery, Tyler was really coming into his own, and a couple years ago he had a tremendous season," said Young. "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."
Silver Linings and Youth Movement
While the present seems bleak, there are bright spots in the Rangers’ roster. Evan Carter, who made his MLB debut on September 8 last year, has shown flashes of brilliance. Carter's average of .306/.413/.645 in 23 regular-season games and .300/.417/.500 line in the postseason demonstrate his potential as a cornerstone for the franchise. Wyatt Langford, the No. 4 pick in the 2023 draft, has also impressed, tallying 11 home runs through 150 team games this season.
Looking forward, several key players will require attention during the offseason. Nathan Eovaldi, for instance, will need a new contract unless he opts to pick up his $20 million player option. Veterans like Kirby Yates and David Robertson are nearing the twilight of their careers at 37 and 39 years old, respectively. Additionally, Andrew Heaney, José Leclerc, and Max Scherzer are all set to become free agents, adding further complexity to the Rangers' future plans.
Jack Leiter, another former high draft pick (No. 2 overall), stands as a symbol of hope for the team. His development will be crucial as the Rangers look to build a more resilient and competitive squad moving forward.
Building for Tomorrow
Bruce Bochy encapsulated the team's mindset well. "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," Bochy said.
As the regular season draws to a close, the Texas Rangers are keenly aware of the challenge that lies ahead. With a blend of resilience, burgeoning talent, and key decisions to be made, their path forward will be a test of their mettle and management acumen. While repeating as champions may now be out of reach, the drive to finish strong and build a robust foundation for future success continues to fuel this storied franchise.