As the Texas Rangers approach the final stretch of a challenging season, the specter of becoming the first defending World Series champion to finish with a losing record since the 2014 Boston Red Sox looms large. To avoid that ignominious distinction, they need to win 10 of their remaining 12 games. It’s a tall order for a team beset by injuries and underperformance, starkly contrasting their previous year's triumph.
Offensive Decline
Last season, the Rangers were a formidable force at the plate, scoring an impressive 5.44 runs per game. This year, that number has plummeted to 4.15. The drop in offensive production is evident across several statistics. Last season saw the team’s OPS+ at 116, but this year it has dipped to 92. Designated hitters, who combined for a .220/.315/.388 slash line with 26 home runs last season, have struggled mightily, managing only a .200/.263/.309 line with 13 home runs.
Injury Woes
Key players have spent significant time on the injured list, further compounding the Rangers’ difficulties. Josh Jung missed four months due to a broken wrist, and Cody Bradford was sidelined for over three months with a back injury. Jon Gray’s multiple stints on the injured list due to groin and foot issues have also been a setback. Jacob deGrom, a crucial addition to the pitching staff, only made his season debut on September 13. Max Scherzer, who missed the start of the season following back surgery, returned in June only to face another injury in late July.
Tyler Mahle’s season was similarly truncated. After undergoing Tommy John surgery last May, he managed only three starts this year before a shoulder issue sidelined him again. Despite these setbacks, the Rangers' President of Baseball Operations, Chris Young, remains optimistic about Mahle’s future. "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.
New Talent and Emerging Stars
Amidst the struggles, the Rangers have seen notable contributions from new and emerging talent. Evan Carter, who made his MLB debut last September, impressed with a .306/.413/.645 slash line in 23 regular-season games and a solid .300/.417/.500 line in the postseason. Wyatt Langford, the No. 4 pick in the 2023 draft, has shown promise with 11 home runs through 150 team games this season.
Veteran Presence and Contract Considerations
Veteran presence will also be a factor in the Rangers' future. Nathan Eovaldi, who recently returned from nearly a month-long absence due to a groin strain, will need a new contract assuming he doesn’t pick up his $20 million player option. The front office will also need to make decisions on free agents Andrew Heaney, José Leclerc, and Max Scherzer, each of whom brings their own set of considerations. Additionally, Chris Young's contract has been recently extended, reflecting the organization's confidence in his leadership.
Challenges of Repeating Success
Manager Bruce Bochy acknowledged the uphill battle the team has faced this 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," Bochy stated.
The Texas Rangers’ journey this season has been a testament to the unpredictable nature of baseball. Whether they pull off a late-season surge or not, the lessons learned and the resilience built will undoubtedly shape their future endeavors on the diamond.