The Texas Rangers face a daunting challenge as they attempt to avoid an ignominious place in baseball history. With just 12 games remaining, the team needs to secure victories in 10 of them to prevent becoming the first defending World Series champion since the 2014 Boston Red Sox to finish with a losing record. A dramatic fall from grace seems almost unthinkable for a team that clinched a postseason berth at game 161 only last season.
Offensive Decline
One of the primary reasons behind the Rangers' struggles has been a noticeable dip in offensive production. Last season, the team averaged an impressive 5.44 runs per game. This year, that figure has plummeted to just 4.15 runs per game. The team's On-base Plus Slugging Plus (OPS+) has also taken a significant hit, descending from 116 to 92. The designated hitters, in particular, have been underwhelming, slashing a mere .200/.263/.309 with just 13 home runs compared to last year’s .220/.315/.388 with 26 home runs.
Injury Woes
Injuries have also played a significant role in hampering the Rangers' season. Josh Jung was sidelined for four months due to a broken wrist, and Travis Jankowski, who ranks fourth in designated hitter starts, struggled to fill the gap. Jacob deGrom, a crucial addition, made his season debut only on September 13. Max Scherzer missed the season's first few weeks due to back surgery and, after a June return, was sidelined again with a shoulder issue in late July. Tyler Mahle's season was cut short after just three starts by Tommy John surgery, and Cody Bradford missed over three months with a back injury. To add to the depletion, Nathan Eovaldi and Jon Gray also battled injuries, with Eovaldi dealing with a groin strain and Gray facing groin and foot troubles.
New Faces, Old Challenges
Even the new talents have found it difficult to make an impact amid the chaos. Evan Carter, who had an exceptional .306/.413/.645 slash line in 23 regular-season games last year, still shows promise but has been overshadowed by the team’s struggles. Wyatt Langford, the No. 4 pick in the 2023 draft, has contributed 11 home runs over the course of 150 team games this season. Yet, individual brilliance has not translated to team success.
Manager Bruce Bochy encapsulated the sentiment of the season: "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."
What's Next?
Looking towards the future, the Rangers have decisions to make. Chris Young’s contract extension indicates stability in the front office, but the roster faces significant changes. Nathan Eovaldi, pending his decision on a $20 million player option, might be eyeing a new contract. Veterans Kirby Yates and David Robertson, aged 37 and 39, respectively, along with soon-to-be free agents Andrew Heaney, José Leclerc, and Max Scherzer, contribute to looming uncertainties.
Young remains optimistic about the potential recovery and future contributions from injured players like Tyler Mahle. "I think before the surgery, Tyler was really coming into his own, and a couple years ago he had a tremendous season," Young said. "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."
The Texas Rangers are at a crossroads. With their eyes set on avoiding a historic low, the remainder of the season will be a true test of resilience and determination for the defending champions. The echoes of last year’s success linger, but moving forward, they'll need to bridge the gap between potential and performance to reclaim their standing.