The Texas Rangers find themselves in a precarious position as they approach the end of the season. Poised to potentially become the first defending World Series champion to finish with a losing record since the 2014 Boston Red Sox, the team needs to secure 10 wins in their final 12 games to avoid this fate. Last season's high of clinching a postseason berth at Game 161 now feels like a distant memory.
The Rangers' offensive struggles have been a significant factor in their tough season. Last year, the team averaged 5.44 runs per game, but this season, that number has dwindled to 4.15 runs per game. This downturn is mirrored by their deteriorating OPS+, which has fallen from 116 to a sobering 92. Rangers' designated hitters have also disappointed, slashing a mere .200/.263/.309 with just 13 home runs compared to last year's more robust totals.
"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," manager Bruce Bochy reflected on the team's challenges.
Injuries Take Their Toll
Injuries have plagued the Rangers' roster throughout the season. Josh Jung's four-month absence due to a broken wrist significantly impacted the team. Similarly, Jacob deGrom's debut came as late as September 13, and Max Scherzer missed the early weeks of the season following back surgery. Scherzer's return was short-lived, as a shoulder issue sidelined him again in late July after just eight starts.
Tyler Mahle's season was cut short by Tommy John surgery last May, limiting him to just three starts before encountering additional shoulder problems. Cody Bradford missed over three months with a back injury, while Nathan Eovaldi and Jon Gray each faced their own battles with injuries. Eovaldi was out for nearly a month with a groin strain, and Gray dealt with groin and foot injuries, placing him on the injured list three times.
Rookie Spotlight
Despite the overall struggles, there have been bright spots in the form of young talent. Evan Carter made an impressive MLB debut last year and has continued to shine, boasting a .306/.413/.645 slash line in 23 regular-season games, and maintaining strong performance in the postseason with a .300/.417/.500 line. Meanwhile, Wyatt Langford, the No. 4 pick in the 2023 draft, has shown promise with 11 home runs through 150 team games this season.
Looking Ahead
The Rangers have some critical decisions to make as they look towards the future. Chris Young's contract extension offers some stability in the front office, but player contracts and free agency loom large. Nathan Eovaldi will need a new contract unless he opts in for the $20 million player option. Veterans Kirby Yates and David Robertson have reached 37 and 39 years of age, respectively, while key players like Andrew Heaney, José Leclerc, and Max Scherzer are set to become free agents.
The hopes for a rebound next season are in part pinned on players like Tyler Mahle. "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," said Chris Young, expressing optimism about Mahle's future contributions.
In these final games, the Rangers will be striving to showcase their resilience and lay a foundation for the upcoming season. It's a moment to rebuild confidence and set the stage for a stronger, healthier roster in the future. As Bochy aptly put it, finishing strong remains the ultimate goal.