As the Texas Rangers approach the final stretch of the season, the pressure is mounting like never before. With 12 games remaining, the team needs to secure 10 victories to avoid becoming the first defending World Series champion to end the season with a losing record since the 2014 Boston Red Sox. Last year's thrilling postseason appearance, clinched at Game 161, now feels like a distant memory. This season has been marred with challenges both on and off the field.
Offensive Struggles
The Rangers' offensive output has taken a significant hit this year. Last season, the team boasted an impressive 5.44 runs per game. In stark contrast, this season they've managed only 4.15 runs per game. The team's OPS+ has dropped from 116 to a disappointing 92. This decline in performance is evident in the designated hitters' stats: from a .220/.315/.388 slash line with 26 home runs last season to a meager .200/.263/.309 slash line with just 13 home runs this season.
Injuries have plagued the team, further exacerbating their struggles. Key player Josh Jung missed four months with a broken wrist, while designated hitter Travis Jankowski, surprisingly, ranks fourth on the team in DH starts. Bruce Bochy, reflecting on the season, 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."
Pitching Woes
The Rangers' pitching staff has also been hit hard by injuries and inconsistency. Jacob deGrom's season debut came late on September 13. Max Scherzer missed the beginning of the season due to back surgery and, after returning on June 23 for eight starts, was sidelined again in late July with a shoulder issue. Tyler Mahle underwent Tommy John surgery last May and managed only three starts this year before another shoulder injury took him out of action.
Manager Chris Young remains optimistic about Mahle's future, stating, "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."
Adding to the list of injuries, 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 faced groin and foot injuries, visiting the injured list three separate times. These setbacks have made it challenging for the Rangers to find stability in their rotation and bullpen.
Rising Stars
Amidst the turbulent season, there have been some bright spots. 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 and continued his strong performance into the postseason with a .300/.417/.500 line. Another promising talent is Wyatt Langford, the No. 4 pick in the 2023 draft. Langford has shown his power with 11 home runs through 150 team games this season.
Contract and Personnel Decisions
Looking ahead, the Rangers face several critical contract decisions. Chris Young's contract was recently extended, ensuring his continued influence on the team's future. On the other hand, Nathan Eovaldi will need a new contract unless he chooses to pick up his $20 million player option. Veteran pitchers Kirby Yates and David Robertson, aged 37 and 39 respectively, bring experience to the team, but Andrew Heaney, José Leclerc, and Max Scherzer are entering free agency, leaving significant gaps that need addressing.
Jack Leiter, the No. 2 pick in the draft, remains a crucial part of the Rangers' plans. His development and eventual integration into the team are eagerly anticipated as the organization looks to rebuild and strengthen its roster for future seasons.
As the Texas Rangers navigate the last leg of this challenging season, the focus will be on finishing strong and addressing the areas that have hindered their performance. With key players recovering and young talents emerging, the franchise aims to bounce back and avoid the fate that befell the 2014 Boston Red Sox. The road ahead may be tough, but the determination to turn things around resonates within the team and its devoted fan base.