The Texas Rangers are on the precipice of a historic and unenviable feat. With just 12 games left, the team needs to win 10 to avoid becoming the first defending World Series champion to finish with a losing record since the 2014 Boston Red Sox. The Rangers’ fall from last year’s heights has been marked by injuries, underperformance, and a noticeable decline in offensive output.
Offensive Decline
Last season’s offensively potent Rangers scored an average of 5.44 runs per game. This year, that figure has dropped significantly to 4.15 runs per game. The team's overall OPS+ plummeted from 116 to 92. Designated hitters, in particular, have struggled. Their combined slash line has fallen from .220/.315/.388 with 26 home runs last season to a paltry .200/.263/.309 with just 13 home runs this year. Injuries have contributed significantly to this decline. Josh Jung, a vital offensive player, missed four months with a broken wrist, and Travis Jankowski has found himself thrust into a designated hitter role far more often than anticipated.
Pitching Woes
The Rangers’ pitching staff has been hamstrung by injuries. Jacob deGrom made his season debut only on September 13. Max Scherzer, who underwent back surgery, missed the early part of the season and returned on June 23, only to be sidelined again in late July with a shoulder issue after making eight starts. Tyler Mahle, who underwent Tommy John surgery last May, managed just three starts this year before being shut down with another shoulder issue. Cody Bradford, Nathan Eovaldi, and Jon Gray have all spent significant time on the injured list, with injuries ranging from back issues to groin and foot injuries.
Young Talent and Veterans
Despite the struggles, the Rangers have seen some bright spots. Evan Carter, who made his MLB debut on September 8 last year, posted an impressive .306/.413/.645 slash line in 23 regular-season games and followed it up with a .300/.417/.500 line in the postseason. Wyatt Langford, the No. 4 pick in the 2023 draft, has also shown promise with 11 home runs through 150 games. On the other hand, veterans like Kirby Yates and David Robertson, aged 37 and 39 respectively, are nearing the twilight of their careers. Meanwhile, Andrew Heaney, José Leclerc, and Max Scherzer face uncertain futures as they enter free agency.
Comments from Management
Rangers manager Bruce Bochy succinctly captured the season's disappointments and the challenges of repeating as champions: “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.”
General Manager Chris Young remains optimistic about the future, particularly regarding Tyler Mahle’s potential: “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 Talks and the Road Ahead
Looking ahead, the Rangers face several critical decisions. Chris Young's contract has been extended, providing stability in the front office. However, Nathan Eovaldi will need a new contract, assuming he does not pick up his $20 million player option. The decisions around the future contracts for these players will shape the team’s strategy for the coming seasons.
As the season winds down, the Texas Rangers find themselves at a crossroads. Whether they can mount a late-season surge to avoid the ignominy of a losing record remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that the franchise will need to navigate a complex web of injuries, underperformance, and strategic decisions to reclaim their former glory.