As the Texas Rangers inch closer to the end of a challenging season, the looming possibility of becoming the first defending World Series champion with a losing record since the 2014 Boston Red Sox feels all too real. To avoid this ignominious end, the Rangers must win 10 of their final 12 games. A daunting task, especially given the myriad challenges they have faced this year.
Offensive Decline
The Rangers' offensive struggles have been stark. Last year, they averaged 5.44 runs per game, a robust number for any team. This season, that figure has plummeted to 4.15 runs per game. The team's OPS+ reflects the downturn as well, dropping from an impressive 116 last year to a concerning 92. These statistical declines are indicative of deeper issues within the team’s batting lineup.
The designated hitters, specifically, have seen a significant dip in performance. In the previous season, Rangers' designated hitters boasted a .220/.315/.388 slash line with 26 home runs. This year, the same position has produced a .200/.263/.309 slash line and only 13 home runs. The underperformance in this key role has certainly contributed to the team's broader struggles at the plate.
Injuries Take Their Toll
Injuries have further exacerbated the Rangers' woes. Key players have spent significant time on the injured list, disrupting team cohesion and performance. Josh Jung, for instance, missed four months due to a broken wrist. Pitchers have been notably affected: Max Scherzer missed the beginning of the season due to back surgery, returned in June, only to be sidelined again with a shoulder issue in late July. Similarly, Tyler Mahle, who underwent Tommy John surgery last May, managed just three starts before a shoulder issue benched him again. Cody Bradford, Nathan Eovaldi, and Jon Gray all faced extended absences as well, with a series of injuries hampering the team's ability to field their best lineup consistently.
Nathan Eovaldi's injury saga included nearly a month out due to a groin strain, and Jon Gray's recurring visits to the injured list with groin and foot injuries have been another blow to the team’s rotation stability.
Emerging Talent
Despite the challenges, some bright spots have emerged. Evan Carter, who made his MLB debut in September last year, posted a slashing .306/.413/.645 line in 23 regular-season games and continued to impress in the postseason with a .300/.417/.500 performance. Equally promising is Wyatt Langford, the No. 4 pick in the 2023 draft, who has notched 11 home runs through 150 team games this season.
Bruce Bochy, reflecting on the season, acknowledged the difficulties faced by the team. "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," Bochy said, encapsulating the team’s determination to close the season on a positive note despite the setbacks.
Looking Ahead
As the Rangers navigate these final games, decisions about the future loom large. Key players like Nathan Eovaldi will need new contracts unless they opt into their current agreements. With veterans such as Kirby Yates and David Robertson aging, and free agents Andrew Heaney, José Leclerc, and Max Scherzer's statuses uncertain, the offseason promises significant roster deliberations.
Chris Young, whose contract was recently extended, remains optimistic about the team's future, particularly regarding the recovery and potential of their starting pitchers. "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 said, hinting at a long-term vision for the team's pitching staff.
The Texas Rangers stand at a crossroads, their aspirations of defending their World Series title slipping away amidst a season of trials. Yet, with the emergence of new talent and the prospect of a healthier roster next year, the team’s future, while uncertain, holds promise. The final stretch will test their resolve, character, and determination to avoid a historic low point and pave the way for a comeback in the seasons to come.