Texas Rangers Face Uphill Battle to Avoid Historic Slide
As the Texas Rangers approach the conclusion of a turbulent season, the pressure mounts for a strong finish to avoid a dubious distinction. The team needs to win 10 of their final 12 games to escape becoming the first defending World Series champion to end the following season with a losing record since the 2014 Boston Red Sox, who finished 71-91.
Last year's Rangers team, which clinched a postseason berth at Game 161, boasted an impressive offensive output, averaging 5.44 runs per game. However, that production has dramatically declined this season to just 4.15 runs per game. The team’s OPS+ also fell from 116 to a disappointing 92, reflecting a broader struggle at the plate.
One of the most glaring weaknesses has been the performance of the Rangers' designated hitters. They combined for a .220/.315/.388 slash line with 26 home runs last season. In stark contrast, this season's designated hitters have managed only a .200/.263/.309 slash line with half the number of home runs, standing at 13.
Injuries have also played a significant role in the team’s decline. Key players like Josh Jung missed four months due to a broken wrist, while Travis Jankowski, who ranks fourth in designated hitter starts, had to step up in his absence. Additionally, their pitching staff has been battered by health issues. Jacob deGrom made his season debut only on September 13, and Max Scherzer, recovering from back surgery, was sidelined again due to a shoulder issue after making eight starts post his return on June 23.
Compounding their woes, Tyler Mahle underwent Tommy John surgery last May and managed only three starts this year before another shoulder issue sidelined him. Cody Bradford missed over three months with a back injury, Nathan Eovaldi was out for nearly a month with a groin strain, and Jon Gray dealt with groin and foot injuries, landing him on the injured list three separate times.
Offensively, the light of hope came from Evan Carter, who made his MLB debut on September 8 last year and posted an impressive .306/.413/.645 slash line in 23 regular-season games. Carter carried this performance into the postseason, where he had a .300/.417/.500 line. Similarly, Wyatt Langford, the No. 4 pick in the 2023 draft, has shown promising power with 11 home runs through 150 team games this season.
The Rangers' general manager, Chris Young, sees potential in the young talents and remains optimistic about the future despite the setbacks. "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," Young remarked.
Meanwhile, the team’s veteran core faces an uncertain future. Nathan Eovaldi will be seeking a new contract unless he picks up his $20 million player option. Kirby Yates and David Robertson, aged 37 and 39 respectively, are nearing the twilight of their careers. Additionally, Andrew Heaney, José Leclerc, and Max Scherzer will enter free agency, adding to the team's roster uncertainty.
Bruce Bochy, the Rangers' manager, acknowledged the difficulties of the season, emphasizing the instructional nature of such challenging periods. "It's been talked about so much, how difficult it is to repeat," Bochy noted. "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."
As the season winds down, the Texas Rangers are in a race against time and statistics to rewrite their narrative. While the odds are steep, their recent history of resilience and the emerging potential of their young talents provide a glimmer of hope for a strong finish and a brighter future.