The stakes are high for the Texas Rangers as they face an uphill battle to salvage a challenging season. To avoid ending the year with a losing record, the Rangers need to secure victories in 10 of their final 12 games. The last time a reigning World Series champion ended the season with a losing record was the 2014 Boston Red Sox, who finished at 71-91. For Texas, the goal is clear: finish strong and break this avoidable cycle.
Offensive Decline
Last season, the Rangers were a formidable force offensively, clinching a postseason berth by Game 161 and averaging 5.44 runs per game. This season has been starkly different, with the team's output dropping to 4.15 runs per game. Correspondingly, their OPS+ has plummeted from 116 to 92.
The team's designated hitters, who last year held a .220/.315/.388 slash line with 26 home runs, have seen their production significantly drop to a .200/.263/.309 line with just 13 home runs. This decline exemplifies broader struggles at the plate.
Injury Woes
Injuries have also taken a significant toll on the Rangers. Josh Jung spent four months sidelined with a broken wrist. Pitching staff has been equally afflicted. Jacob deGrom made his season debut only on September 13, while Max Scherzer, after undergoing back surgery, managed just eight starts before a shoulder issue sidelined him again.
Tyler Mahle’s season was abruptly halted due to Tommy John surgery last May, and he managed merely three starts before another shoulder issue emerged. Cody Bradford missed more than three months with a back injury. Nathan Eovaldi, who missed close to a month with a groin strain, and Jon Gray, who was plagued by groin and foot injuries and visited the injured list thrice, highlight the extensive list of absentees.
Bright Spots and New Faces
However, the season hasn't been devoid of positive developments. Evan Carter, who made his MLB debut on September 8 last year, put up an impressive .306/.413/.645 slash line in 23 regular-season games and continued his strong performance into the postseason with a .300/.417/.500 line.
Wyatt Langford, the No. 4 pick in the 2023 draft, contributed 11 home runs over the course of the season. As the younger talents showed promise, the Rangers extended the contract of Chris Young, signaling a vote of confidence in the team’s front office amid challenging circumstances.
Veteran Outlook
With the season's end approaching, several contractual decisions loom. Nathan Eovaldi is due for a new contract unless he opts for his $20 million player option. Veterans Kirby Yates, at 37, and David Robertson, at 39, may face questions about their future roles. Additionally, Andrew Heaney, José Leclerc, and Max Scherzer are free agents, necessitating discussions about next season's roster composition.
Jack Leiter, the No. 2 pick in the draft, also offers hope for the future. As Bruce Bochy candidly noted, "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."
Looking Ahead
Chris Young, reflecting on Mahle's future, emphasized the optimism that the team holds despite this season's struggles. "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 stated.
As the Texas Rangers navigate the final stretch of the season, the task at hand is clear—regain form, capitalize on emerging talent, and leverage the experienced core to build towards a resilient comeback. The road ahead may be challenging, but determination remains a cornerstone of the team's ethos.