The Texas Rangers face a daunting challenge as they approach the final stretch of the season. They need to secure victories in 10 out of their last 12 games to avoid becoming the first defending World Series champions to finish with a losing record since the 2014 Boston Red Sox, who ended their season at 71-91. This added pressure is compounded by a noticeable decline in their performance metrics compared to last year.
The Decline in Offensive Production
Last season, the Rangers had an impressive offensive display, scoring 5.44 runs per game. However, this season they've only managed to put up 4.15 runs per game. The team's OPS+ also saw a significant drop, from 116 last year to 92 this year. These numbers underscore a concerning regression in their batting capabilities.
A key component of their offensive woes has been the performance of their designated hitters. Last season, the collective output from this position was a .220/.315/.388 slash line with 26 home runs. This year, that production has dipped even further, plummeting to a .200/.263/.309 line with just 13 home runs. The absence of consistent power hitting has undoubtedly hindered their run-scoring ability.
Injury Woes
The Rangers’ struggles can also be attributed to a series of unfortunate injuries impacting key players. Josh Jung was sidelined for four months with a broken wrist, and Travis Jankowski has been thrust into a more prominent role, ranking fourth on the team in designated hitter starts. On the pitching front, Jacob deGrom only made his season debut on September 13, while Max Scherzer faced numerous setbacks. Scherzer missed the early part of the season due to back surgery, returned by June 23, but was forced out again in late July with a shoulder issue.
Tyler Mahle, another starting pitcher, faced similar troubles. Mahle underwent Tommy John surgery last May and managed to take the mound just three times this season before a shoulder issue sidelined him once more. Cody Bradford also dealt with over three months of recovery from a back injury, while Nathan Eovaldi spent nearly a month recovering from a groin strain. Jon Gray, plagued by groin and foot injuries, visited the injured list three separate times.
Rising Stars and Prospects
Despite the troubling season, there have been glimmers of hope for the Rangers. Evan Carter made his MLB debut on September 8 last year and impressed with a .306/.413/.645 slash line in 23 regular-season games and a solid .300/.417/.500 batting line in the postseason. Additionally, Wyatt Langford, the No. 4 pick in the 2023 draft, has shown promise with 11 home runs through 150 team games this season. Jack Leiter, another high draft pick, is also a part of the team's future plans.
Management and Contract Decisions
Off the field, the Rangers' management has extended Chris Young's contract, reflecting confidence in his leadership despite the current struggles. There are looming decisions regarding player contracts as well, including that of Nathan Eovaldi, who may require a new deal unless he opts into his $20 million player option. The team also needs to consider the futures of several veterans and free agents, such as Kirby Yates, David Robertson, Andrew Heaney, José Leclerc, and Max Scherzer.
Reflecting on the challenging season, Rangers manager Bruce Bochy acknowledged the complexities of maintaining consistent success. “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.
Chris Young echoed a similar sentiment while expressing optimism about Tyler Mahle’s recovery and future contributions. “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,” Young commented.
As the Rangers strive to overcome their current predicaments, their focus will undoubtedly be on finishing the season strong and setting the stage for a more successful campaign next year. The resilience of their injured players, the potential of emerging stars, and strategic management decisions will all play pivotal roles in shaping the future trajectory of the Texas Rangers.