The Texas Rangers face an uphill battle as the season draws to a close. To stave off the ignominy of being the first defending World Series champion since the 2014 Boston Red Sox to finish with a losing record, they need to secure victories in 10 of their final 12 games. This steep climb follows a year plagued by underperformance and injuries, a far cry from their postseason-clinching performance at Game 161 last year.
Offensive Decline
The offensive woes are a glaring issue for the Rangers. Last season, they averaged a robust 5.44 runs per game, a figure that has nosedived to a mere 4.15 this year. This decline in run production is mirrored in their overall performance metrics: the team's OPS+ has plummeted from a strong 116 to a subpar 92. The designated hitter slot, once a reliable source of power, has also faltered. Compared to last year's .220/.315/.388 slash line and 26 home runs, this season's designated hitters are struggling with a .200/.263/.309 slash line and only 13 homers.
Injuries Taking a Toll
Injuries have decimated the Rangers' roster. Josh Jung's four-month absence due to a broken wrist was a significant blow. The pitching staff has been particularly hard-hit: Max Scherzer, who missed the start of the season after back surgery, returned in late June only to be sidelined again in July with a shoulder issue after just eight starts. Tyler Mahle hasn't had it any easier, undergoing Tommy John surgery in May and managing only three starts before another shoulder issue took him out of the game. Cody Bradford, Nathan Eovaldi, and Jon Gray have also had significant stints on the injured list, dealing with back, groin, and foot injuries, respectively.
A Glimmer of Hope
Despite these setbacks, there have been some bright spots. Evan Carter, who made his MLB debut last September, put up impressive numbers in his limited appearances. This season, he has continued to shine with a .306/.413/.645 slash line in 23 regular-season games and a commendable .300/.417/.500 performance in the postseason. Additionally, Wyatt Langford, the fourth overall pick in the 2023 draft, has showcased his potential with 11 home runs through 150 team games.
Discussing the season, Rangers' manager Bruce Bochy acknowledged the struggles the team has faced. "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.
Looming Questions
Looking ahead, the Rangers have some critical decisions to make. Chris Young, whose contract was recently extended, remains optimistic about the team's future. Speaking about pitcher Tyler Mahle, 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."
However, with several key players like Andrew Heaney, José Leclerc, and Max Scherzer entering free agency, and veterans Kirby Yates and David Robertson nearing the twilight of their careers, the Rangers have significant roster considerations to address. Nathan Eovaldi, who will require a new contract if he doesn't pick up his $20 million player option, adds another layer of complexity to the team’s offseason plans.
The road ahead is challenging, but the team remains determined to close out the season on a high note and lay the groundwork for a more successful future. As the Rangers navigate these tumultuous waters, the focus is on resilience and adaptation—qualities that will be crucial if they are to re-emerge as championship contenders.