The Texas Rangers, a franchise revered for its resilience and spirit, find themselves teetering on the brink of a historic low. With 12 games left in the regular season, they need to secure 10 wins to avoid becoming the first defending World Series champion to end with a losing record since the 2014 Boston Red Sox. A task seemingly Herculean, given the ups and downs that have plagued their campaign.
Offensive Struggles and Statistical Decline
A glance at the numbers tells a story of a team that has struggled to replicate last year's success. Last season, the Rangers were an offensive juggernaut, averaging 5.44 runs per game. This season, that number has dropped to a paltry 4.15. This decline in firepower has been mirrored by a reduction in their OPS+ from 116 to 92, a metric that emphasizes the inconsistency and inefficacy of their offensive lineup.
The designated hitters have particularly underperformed. Where last year's squad combined for a .220/.315/.388 slash line with 26 home runs, this year’s designated hitters have managed only a .200/.263/.309 slash line and just 13 home runs. The absence of key players has had a significant impact. Josh Jung's four-month absence due to a broken wrist was a crippling blow, while Travis Jankowski’s unexpected rise to being fourth in designated hitter starts highlights the team’s troubling lack of depth.
Injury Woes and Rotation Shuffles
The pitching rotation hasn't fared much better. Towering names like Jacob deGrom and Max Scherzer have struggled with health issues. DeGrom only made his season debut on September 13, and Scherzer, despite returning on June 23, was once again sidelined by a shoulder issue. “It's been talked about so much, how difficult it is to repeat,” said manager Bruce Bochy. “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.”
Tyler Mahle, after undergoing Tommy John surgery last May, managed only three starts before yet another shoulder issue benched him. Such injuries have forced the Rangers into a rotation shuffle, one that saw Cody Bradford out for over three months with a back injury, Nathan Eovaldi sidelined nearly a month with a groin strain, and Jon Gray making three separate visits to the injured list with groin and foot problems. Mahle’s potential was noted by Chris Young, who said, “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.”
Glimpses of Bright Spots
Despite the avalanche of adversity, there have been bright spots. Evan Carter made a strong MLB debut on September 8 last year, carrying a .306/.413/.645 slash line in 23 regular-season games, and in the postseason, performed admirably with a .300/.417/.500 line. Additionally, Wyatt Langford, the No. 4 pick in the 2023 draft, showcased his power with 11 home runs through 150 team games, hinting at a promising future for the Rangers.
Contract Concerns and Future Prospects
Off the field, the Rangers have some critical decisions to make. Chris Young's contract extension provides stability in the front office, but the futures of several key players remain uncertain. Nathan Eovaldi, who will need a new contract assuming he doesn't opt for his $20 million player option, is just one piece of a complex puzzle. Veterans like Kirby Yates and David Robertson, aged 37 and 39 respectively, alongside free agents Andrew Heaney, José Leclerc, and Max Scherzer, add to the looming off-season conundrum. Furthermore, Jack Leiter, the No. 2 pick in the draft, represents another potential building block as the Rangers look forward.
The Texas Rangers’ season has been a mélange of missed opportunities and relentless injury setbacks. As they play out their final 12 games with the hopes of avoiding an ignominious record, the road ahead remains challenging. Yet, within these trials, the glimpses of resilience and future promise ensure that the spirit of the Texas Rangers remains undimmed.