The Texas Rangers Face a Daunting Challenge
As the Texas Rangers look to stave off an ignominious chapter in their history, they find themselves in a precarious position. To avoid becoming the first defending World Series champion to finish with a losing record since the 2014 Boston Red Sox, who stumbled to a 71-91 record, the Rangers must win 10 of their final 12 games. The pressure is palpable, and the stakes are sky-high.
Last season, the Rangers clinched a postseason berth at Game 161, riding high on an offense that scored 5.44 runs per game. This year, the run production has dipped alarmingly to just 4.15 runs per game. The team’s OPS+ reflects this decline, dropping from a respectable 116 last season to a subpar 92 this year. The designated hitters, who combined for a .220/.315/.388 slash line with 26 home runs last season, have also suffered. This year, they’ve managed only a .200/.263/.309 slash line with 13 home runs.
Injuries Plague Key Players
However, the struggles of the Rangers cannot be attributed solely to offensive woes. A series of injuries to key players has severely hampered their campaign. Josh Jung missed four months with a broken wrist, and Travis Jankowski, who ranks fourth on the team in designated hitter starts, has failed to fill the void adequately. The pitching staff has faced its own challenges, with Jacob deGrom making his season debut as late as September 13. Max Scherzer, sidelined by back surgery, returned on June 23 only to make eight starts before a shoulder issue sidelined him again in late July. Tyler Mahle underwent Tommy John surgery last May and managed only three starts this year before a shoulder issue put him on the injured list once more.
"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," said manager Bruce Bochy, encapsulating the fractured nature of the Rangers' season.
Cody Bradford missed over three months with a back injury, Nathan Eovaldi was out nearly a month with a groin strain, and Jon Gray dealt with groin and foot injuries, visiting the injured list three separate times. These recurring absences have disrupted the Rangers’ roster consistency, a vital component for any championship-caliber team.
Rookies and Prospects: Glimmer of Hope
Despite the setbacks, a few players have showcased their potential. Evan Carter, who made his MLB debut on September 8 last year, impressed with a .306/.413/.645 slash line in 23 regular-season games, followed by a robust .300/.417/.500 performance 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. Such performances hint at a promising future, providing some solace to a fan base desperate for positive developments.
Chris Young, whose contract was recently extended, remains optimistic about Tyler Mahle's recovery and future contributions. "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 Young.
Contractual Concerns and Future Outlook
As the season winds down, the Rangers also face significant contractual decisions. Nathan Eovaldi will need a new contract unless he picks up his $20 million player option. Several other key players, including Andrew Heaney, José Leclerc, and Max Scherzer, are set to become free agents. The team also has aging veterans like Kirby Yates, 37, and David Robertson, 39, who present additional considerations for the front office as they plan for the future.
Jack Leiter, the No. 2 pick in the draft, represents another piece of the puzzle the Rangers hope can contribute in the coming seasons. Integrating these young stars while managing the health and performance of veteran players is crucial for the team’s immediate and long-term prospects.
The Texas Rangers are at a crossroads, burdened by the weight of expectations and a slew of injuries. As they navigate these final games, the team's ability to adapt and overcome will define not just their season but potentially their trajectory for years to come. With a mixture of promising youth and seasoned experience, their journey remains one to watch closely.