The Texas Rangers find themselves in a precarious position as the regular season draws to a close. With a mere 12 games remaining, the Rangers must secure victories in at least 10 of those contests to avoid becoming the first defending World Series champion since the 2014 Boston Red Sox to finish the season with a losing record.
Struggles at the Plate
One of the most glaring issues for the Rangers this season has been their offense. Last year, the team was a powerhouse, scoring an average of 5.44 runs per game and boasting an impressive OPS+ of 116. This season, however, has told a different story. The Rangers’ run production has dropped to 4.15 runs per game, with their OPS+ plummeting to 92. The decline is particularly noticeable in the designated hitter (DH) position. Last season, Rangers' DHs produced a .220/.315/.388 slash line with 26 home runs. In stark contrast, this season's DHs have combined for a .200/.263/.309 slash line and just 13 home runs.
Compounding their offensive woes, the Rangers have missed key contributions due to significant injuries. Josh Jung missed four months with a broken wrist, and Cody Bradford was sidelined for over three months with a back injury. In these circumstances, manager Bruce Bochy is candid about the challenges. "It's been talked about so much, how difficult it is to repeat," Bochy said. "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 Problems
The Rangers' pitching staff has also struggled with injuries and underperformance. Notable pitcher Jacob deGrom made his season debut only on September 13, far too late to make a significant impact. Max Scherzer, who missed the first few weeks of the regular season due to back surgery, managed only eight starts after returning on June 23 before a shoulder issue sidelined him again in late July. Tyler Mahle faced a similar fate; he underwent Tommy John surgery last May and could only muster three starts this season before another shoulder issue benched him.
Adding to the disarray, Nathan Eovaldi was out for nearly a month with a groin strain, and Jon Gray visited the injured list three times due to groin and foot injuries. These absences have left the pitching rotation in constant flux, further exacerbating the team's difficulties in defending their title.
Rising Stars and Roster Adjustments
Amidst the struggles, the team has seen promising glimpses of future talent. Evan Carter, who made his MLB debut on September 8 last year, showcased his potential with a .306/.413/.645 slash line in 23 regular-season games and a solid .300/.417/.500 line in the postseason. Rookie Wyatt Langford, the No. 4 pick in the 2023 draft, has also shown promise with 11 home runs through 150 team games this season. These young players provide a beacon of hope for the franchise’s future.
Additionally, the Rangers' front office has been proactive in reinforcing the team. Chris Young's contract extension is a testament to the organization's belief in his vision. Young remains optimistic about players like Tyler Mahle, 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."
Looking Ahead
The Rangers face significant decisions in the offseason, with several key players, including Andrew Heaney, José Leclerc, and Max Scherzer, becoming free agents. Nathan Eovaldi's future also hangs in the balance, as he will need a new contract unless he decides to pick up his $20 million player option. Age is another factor, as Kirby Yates and David Robertson, both in their late 30s, may not be long-term solutions for the pitching staff.
As the season winds down, the Texas Rangers have their work cut out for them. The road to avoiding an ignominious end to their World Series defense is steep, but with a mix of experienced veterans and rising stars, the franchise has the components necessary to rebuild and compete in the coming years. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as this storied team navigates its challenges and looks to regain its footing.