Texas Rangers Face Uphill Battle to Avoid Historical Low
The Texas Rangers find themselves in a precarious position as they stare down the final 12 games of the season. Needing to clinch ten wins to avoid becoming the first defending World Series champions to end a season with a losing record since the 2014 Boston Red Sox, the pressure is palpable. "It's been talked about so much, how difficult it is to repeat," said manager Bruce Bochy. "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."
Offensive Struggles
One of the most glaring issues this season has been the drop in offensive production. Last year, the Rangers were a powerhouse, scoring an average of 5.44 runs per game. This season, that number has plummeted to 4.15. The team's OPS+ has also seen a significant dip, dropping from 116 last year to just 92 this season.
The designated hitters, in particular, have struggled mightily. Last year, they posted a .220/.315/.388 slash line with 26 home runs. This season, those numbers have fallen to .200/.263/.309 with just 13 home runs. Josh Jung’s absence for four months due to a broken wrist has further stunted the team’s offensive momentum. Meanwhile, Travis Jankowski finds himself ranking fourth in designated hitter starts, a testament to the inconsistency and lack of depth in the lineup.
Pitching Woes
Injuries have also ravaged the Rangers' pitching staff. Jacob deGrom made a late-season debut on September 13, while Max Scherzer, after missing the early weeks due to back surgery, only managed to return on June 23. Scherzer’s return was short-lived; he was sidelined again in late July due to a shoulder issue.
Tyler Mahle's season has been equally turbulent, undergoing Tommy John surgery last May and managing only three starts before being sidelined again by a shoulder issue. Cody Bradford missed over three months with a back injury, and Nathan Eovaldi was out nearly a month with a groin strain. Jon Gray has dealt with groin and foot injuries, visiting the injured list three separate times. These mounting injuries have undoubtedly contributed to the team's struggles.
Glimmers of Hope
Despite the challenges, there have been bright spots. Evan Carter made his MLB debut on September 8 last year, finishing with an impressive .306/.413/.645 slash line in 23 regular-season games and a .300/.417/.500 line in the postseason. Additionally, Wyatt Langford, the No. 4 pick in the 2023 draft, has shown promise with 11 home runs through 150 team games this season.
Chris Young’s contract extension signals stability in the front office. However, the Rangers face crucial decisions regarding several key players, notably Nathan Eovaldi, who will need a new contract unless he opts to pick up his $20 million player option.
Looking Towards the Future
Chris Young remains optimistic about the future, despite the current season's setbacks. "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 remarked.
The Rangers also have eyes on the aging veterans. Both Kirby Yates, at 37, and David Robertson, at 39, present questions about longevity and effectiveness in the team’s future plans. Additionally, notable free agents such as Andrew Heaney, José Leclerc, and Max Scherzer will be pivotal points of consideration during the offseason.
The Road Ahead
With just over a handful of games remaining, the Texas Rangers are racing against time and history. The upcoming matches will determine their endurance, tactical adjustments, and, ultimately, their legacy this season. As Bruce Bochy and his team brace for the final leg, they aim to finish strong, defying the obstacles that have plagued their quest to defend their World Series title.