The Texas Rangers are on the brink of making unwanted history. As the team grapples with a challenging season, they need a remarkable finish—winning 10 of their final 12 games—to avoid becoming the first defending World Series champion to end the season with a losing record since the 2014 Boston Red Sox. The stark decline in their performance has left fans and analysts alike wondering what went wrong.
Struggles at the Plate
One of the most glaring issues has been the decrease in offensive productivity. Last season, the Rangers boasted an impressive 5.44 runs per game. This year, that number has plummeted to 4.15 runs per game. Additionally, the team's OPS+ has fallen from 116 to 92, underscoring the drop in batting performance across the lineup.
The designated hitters, who were a significant component of the offense last season, have notably underperformed. They combined for a .220/.315/.388 slash line with 26 home runs last year. However, this season, the numbers have dropped to .200/.263/.309 with only 13 home runs. The absence of consistent power hitting has left a noticeable void.
Injury Woes
Injuries have also played a significant role in the Rangers' struggles. Key players like Josh Jung missed four months with a broken wrist, and Travis Jankowski, despite ranking fourth on the team in designated hitter starts, could not fill the gap left by more consistent hitters. Pitching has suffered as well, with Jacob deGrom making his season debut only on September 13, and Max Scherzer missing the initial weeks due to back surgery. Scherzer managed just eight starts before a shoulder issue sidelined him in late July.
Other pitchers like Tyler Mahle and Cody Bradford have also faced extended periods on the sidelines. Mahle underwent Tommy John surgery last May and made only three starts this season before a shoulder issue sidelined him again. Bradford, on the other hand, missed over three months with a back injury. Consistent injuries to other critical players like Nathan Eovaldi and Jon Gray, both dealing with groin and foot injuries, have further compounded the team’s pitching woes.
New Faces on the Roster
Despite the challenges, some young talents have shown promise. Evan Carter, who made his MLB debut last September, has posted a .306/.413/.645 slash line in 23 regular-season games and maintained a solid .300/.417/.500 performance in the postseason. Wyatt Langford, the No. 4 pick in the 2023 draft, has also contributed with 11 home runs through 150 team games this season.
Leadership and Future Plans
Manager Bruce Bochy acknowledged the difficulties but remains hopeful. "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 stated, emphasizing a commitment to ending the season positively.
In the front office, Chris Young, whose contract was recently extended, remains optimistic about the team’s future. Addressing Tyler Mahle's potential, Young 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."
However, the offseason will bring its own set of challenges. Eovaldi may need a new contract unless he picks up his $20 million player option. Key players like Andrew Heaney, José Leclerc, and Max Scherzer are set to become free agents, potentially leading to further roster changes.
With veterans like Kirby Yates and David Robertson at 37 and 39 years old, respectively, the team needs to balance experience with the infusion of young talent. Jack Leiter, the No. 2 draft pick, requires development to join the major league roster effectively.
As the Rangers strive to finish this tumultuous season on a strong note, it is clear that the road ahead will require strategic decisions and perhaps a bit of luck to reclaim their former glory. The Texas Rangers are at a crossroads, and how they navigate these challenges will define their future in Major League Baseball.