The Texas Rangers are at a critical juncture, facing an uphill battle as they attempt to stave off a losing season and avoid an unwelcome record. In their quest to avoid becoming the first defending World Series champions to end the season with a losing record since the 2014 Boston Red Sox, the Rangers need to achieve a nearly perfect finish, winning 10 of their final 12 games.
Last season, the Rangers entered the postseason with a spark, clinching their berth at Game 161. They averaged an impressive 5.44 runs per game and their team OPS+ stood at 116. This season, however, has been markedly different. The team has struggled offensively, scoring only 4.15 runs per game with an OPS+ plummeting to 92. The struggles of their designated hitters exemplify this decline: from a .220/.315/.388 slash line with 26 home runs last season to a disappointing .200/.263/.309 with just 13 homers this year.
Injuries have undoubtedly played a significant role in the Rangers' struggles. Josh Jung, a key player, missed four months with a broken wrist. The pitching staff has been hit hard as well. Jacob deGrom made his season debut only on September 13, while Max Scherzer has had a challenging year, missing the initial weeks of the regular season due to back surgery and then being sidelined again with a shoulder issue after just eight starts post his June 23 return.
The woes didn't end there. Tyler Mahle, who had Tommy John surgery last May, managed only three starts before a shoulder problem put him out of commission again. Similarly, Cody Bradford missed over three months due to a back injury, Nathan Eovaldi was out nearly a month with a groin strain, and Jon Gray dealt with groin and foot injuries, leading to three separate stints on the injured list.
Despite these setbacks, some bright spots have emerged. Evan Carter, who debuted in September last year, showcased his potential with a .306/.413/.645 slash line in 23 regular-season games and continued to impress with a .300/.417/.500 performance in the postseason. Wyatt Langford, the No. 4 pick in the 2023 draft, has shown promise with 11 home runs through 150 games this season.
Veteran players like Nathan Eovaldi and Max Scherzer face uncertainty regarding their future contracts. Eovaldi, assuming he doesn't pick up his $20 million player option, will require a new contract. Scherzer, along with Andrew Heaney and José Leclerc, will hit free agency, posing significant decisions for the Rangers' front office.
Chris Young, whose contract was recently extended, remains optimistic about the team's future despite the tough season. Speaking about Tyler Mahle, he said, "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.”
Bruce Bochy, reflecting on the season's challenges, remarked, "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." His words echo the resolve within the team to end the season on a high note despite the obstacles.
Another aspect adding complexity to the Rangers' situation is the aging of key pitchers like Kirby Yates and David Robertson, who are 37 and 39 years old, respectively. The management must navigate their potential replacements while maintaining competitive roster depth. Additionally, the future developments concerning younger players like Jack Leiter, the No. 2 pick in the draft, hold high stakes for the team's rebuilding efforts.
As the Rangers press on in the season's final stretch, their journey encapsulates both the highs and lows of baseball. The resilience of the players, the strategic acumen of the management, and the unwavering support of the fans stand as testaments to the enduring spirit of the game. While the mountain to climb is steep, the belief within the clubhouse remains steadfast, hopeful for a strong finish that keeps the flames of next season's aspirations burning brightly.