The Texas Rangers are staring down an unenviable milestone as they approach the end of their season. With just 12 games remaining, the defending World Series champions need to secure 10 victories to avoid becoming the first titleholders since the 2014 Boston Red Sox to finish with a losing record. The struggle is a stark contrast to last year's high when the team clinched a postseason berth in Game 161.
This season's downturn can be attributed to a myriad of factors, from injuries to a noticeable dip in offensive production. The Rangers' run-scoring has dropped from an impressive 5.44 runs per game last season to a meager 4.15 this year. Their OPS+ has fallen from 116 to 92, marking a significant decline in offensive efficiency.
Injury Woes
Injuries have plagued the Rangers throughout the season. Key players have spent considerable time on the injured list, contributing to the team's struggles. Josh Jung missed four months with a broken wrist, an absence that hurt the team's lineup. Jacob deGrom made his return on September 13, but Max Scherzer's season was a rollercoaster of health issues. Scherzer began the year sidelined due to back surgery and, after making a return on June 23, ended up back on the injured list with a shoulder issue by late July.
The pitching staff has also been hit hard. Tyler Mahle underwent Tommy John surgery last May and managed only three starts this year before being sidelined again with a shoulder issue. Cody Bradford faced a lengthy three-month absence due to a back injury, while Nathan Eovaldi and Jon Gray both dealt with groin injuries that forced multiple stints on the injured list.
Manager Bruce Bochy acknowledged the challenges, stating, "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."
Designated Hitter Decline
The designated hitter position has been another area of concern. Last season, the designated hitters combined for a .220/.315/.388 slash line with 26 home runs. This year, those numbers have plummeted to a .200/.263/.309 slash line with just 13 home runs. Travis Jankowski, a surprising fourth on the team in designated hitter starts, underscores the team’s struggles in finding consistent production from the role.
Bright Spots
Despite the setbacks, there have been glimmers of hope. Evan Carter, who debuted on September 8 last year, delivered a solid performance with a .306/.413/.645 slash line over 23 regular-season games and continued to impress 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 team games this season.
Chris Young's recent contract extension signals stability for the organization. Young expressed optimism about Tyler Mahle's future, saying, "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."
Upcoming Decisions
Looking ahead, the Rangers face crucial decisions regarding their roster. Nathan Eovaldi, assuming he doesn't pick up his $20 million player option, will need a new contract. The team also has to consider the futures of free agents Andrew Heaney, José Leclerc, and Max Scherzer. Aging players like Kirby Yates (37) and David Robertson (39) add another layer of complexity to the off-season planning.
The Texas Rangers have faced a challenging season filled with adversity. From injuries to diminished offensive output, the team’s quest to avoid a losing record amid these trials is a testament to their resilience. As they push through the final games, the organization will undoubtedly reflect on the lessons learned and look to rebound stronger in the coming seasons.