The Texas Rangers are facing a daunting end to their season, requiring a phenomenal push to dodge an unwanted record. With the need to win 10 of their final 12 games, they are in a precarious position to avoid being the first defending World Series champions to conclude the season with a losing record since the 2014 Boston Red Sox, who ended at 71-91.
Last year saw the Rangers clinch a postseason berth at Game 161, bolstered by a powerful offense that averaged 5.44 runs per game. This season, however, has been a different story, with their scoring dropping to 4.15 runs per game. Additionally, the team's OPS+ has plummeted from 116 to 92, highlighting their struggles at the plate. The designated hitters have epitomized these struggles, with their collective slash line dropping from .220/.315/.388 with 26 home runs last season to .200/.263/.309 with just 13 home runs this year.
Injuries Take a Toll
Much of the Rangers' woes can be attributed to a slew of injuries. Notable among these absences is Josh Jung, who missed four months with a broken wrist. Starting pitcher Jacob deGrom made his season debut only on September 13, while Max Scherzer missed the early part of the regular season due to back surgery, returning on June 23 only to be sidelined again by a shoulder issue in late July. Tyler Mahle, who underwent Tommy John surgery last May, also managed only three starts this year before a shoulder problem sidelined him.
Cody Bradford missed over three months with a back injury, Nathan Eovaldi was sidelined for nearly a month with a groin strain, and Jon Gray dealt with groin and foot injuries, visiting the injured list three separate times. The sheer volume and impact of these injuries have certainly hampered the Rangers' ability to replicate last season's success.
Young Talent Stepping Up
Despite the setbacks, the Rangers have seen promising performances from emerging talents. Evan Carter, who made his MLB debut on September 8 last year, posted a .306/.413/.645 slash line in 23 regular-season games and continued his strong performance with a .300/.417/.500 line in the postseason. Similarly, Wyatt Langford, the No. 4 pick in the 2023 draft, has shown power at the plate with 11 home runs through 150 team games this season.
Challenges in the Dugout
Manager Bruce Bochy acknowledges the difficulties his team has faced, citing several factors for their current struggles. "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 said.
Player Contracts and Future Outlook
Looking ahead, the Rangers have several key players approaching free agency, including Andrew Heaney, José Leclerc, and Max Scherzer. Nathan Eovaldi, another critical player, will need a new contract unless he picks up his $20 million player option. The team also has to consider the future of veterans like Kirby Yates, 37, and David Robertson, 39, whose experience and leadership remain invaluable.
Chris Young, whose contract has recently been extended, remains optimistic about the future, particularly regarding players like Tyler Mahle. Reflecting on Mahle's potential impact, Young stated, "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."
As the Texas Rangers forge ahead, balancing the development of young talent with the wisdom of seasoned veterans, they face significant hurdles, both immediate and long-term. Whether they can conjure the performances needed to avoid a losing season will soon be revealed on the field.