The Texas Rangers are teetering on the brink of an undesirable distinction as the season draws to a close. They need to win 10 of their final 12 games to avoid becoming the first reigning World Series champion to end the year with a losing record since the 2014 Boston Red Sox, who infamously finished 71-91. This scenario places immense pressure on a team that clinched a postseason berth in Game 161 last year.
Last season's offensive prowess, marked by an impressive 5.44 runs per game, has dampened significantly to a mere 4.15 runs per game this year. The team's overall Offensive Performance Statistics Plus (OPS+) has consequently plummeted from a healthy 116 to a below-average 92. These stats underline the struggles that have plagued the team all season long.
Designated Hitter Troubles
One glaring issue has been the team’s designated hitters. Last season, the Rangers' designated hitters collectively managed a .220/.315/.388 slash line, including 26 home runs. This year, those numbers have sharply declined to a .200/.263/.309 slash line with a mere 13 home runs. These statistics are emblematic of the broader offensive slump affecting the lineup.
Injuries and Rotational Challenges
A slew of injuries has further complicated matters. Josh Jung missed a significant chunk of the season, sitting out four months due to a broken wrist. Travis Jankowski, who ranks fourth on the team for designated hitter starts, couldn't fill the void left by Jung. Meanwhile, the pitching staff has been similarly beleaguered. Jacob deGrom's season debut didn't arrive until September 13. Max Scherzer, after starting the year on the sidelines due to back surgery, made his return on June 23 only to be sidelined again by a shoulder issue in late July.
The team's rotation has been a revolving door of woes. Tyler Mahle's season was cut short after just three starts due to a shoulder problem, following Tommy John surgery last May. Cody Bradford lost over three months to a back injury, and Nathan Eovaldi missed close to a month with a groin strain. Jon Gray was no stranger to the injured list either, dealing with both groin and foot injuries across three stints on the IL.
Bright Spots and Future Prospects
Not all hope is lost for the Rangers. Evan Carter, who made his MLB debut on September 8 last season, has been a rare beacon of consistency. He posted an impressive .306/.413/.645 slash line in 23 regular-season games and continued to perform in the postseason with a .300/.417/.500 line. Wyatt Langford, the No. 4 pick in the 2023 draft, has also shown promise with 11 home runs through 150 team games this season.
Chris Young, whose contract was recently extended, remains optimistic about the future. In his thoughts on pitcher Tyler Mahle's trajectory, he noted, "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
While the team faces contractual uncertainties heading into the offseason, particularly with Nathan Eovaldi needing a new deal assuming he doesn't pick up his $20 million player option, and free agents like Andrew Heaney, José Leclerc, and Max Scherzer hitting the market, there's a cautious optimism. Jack Leiter, a top draft pick, and the potential returning strength from injured players present future possibilities. Additionally, the veteran presence of age-defying players like Kirby Yates (37) and David Robertson (39) could provide stability and experience in the coming years.
As manager Bruce Bochy succinctly put it, "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."
Indeed, the Texas Rangers' resilience will be tested as they aim to close this challenging season on a high note and avoid an ignominious record. How they navigate these final games will not only define their current season but set the stage for their future trajectory.