The Texas Rangers are facing a steep challenge as they approach the final stretch of their current season. To avoid becoming the first defending World Series champion to end the season with a losing record since the 2014 Boston Red Sox's 71-91 finish, the Rangers need to secure victories in 10 of their final 12 games. The team, which clinched a postseason berth last year at Game 161, is now grappling with a significantly less productive offensive lineup and multiple injury concerns.
Offensive Struggles
Last season, the Rangers were an offensive powerhouse, scoring 5.44 runs per game. This year, that figure has plummeted to 4.15 runs per game. The slumping offense is further highlighted by the drop in the team's OPS+ from 116 to 92. The designated hitters’ performance encapsulates these struggles, with last season's .220/.315/.388 slash line and 26 home runs falling to a dismal .200/.263/.309 slash line with only 13 home runs this season.
Injuries have also played a central role in the offensive woes. Josh Jung, a key cog in the lineup, missed four months with a broken wrist. Travis Jankowski, unexpectedly ranking fourth on the team in designated hitter starts, has had to fill significant gaps.
Pitching Woes and Injuries
The Texas Rangers have also faced a series of setbacks in their pitching lineup. Jacob deGrom made a late season debut on September 13, while Max Scherzer missed the first few weeks of the regular season due to back surgery. Scherzer's return on June 23 was short-lived, as a shoulder issue sidelined him again in late July. Tyler Mahle, after undergoing Tommy John surgery last May, managed only three starts this year before another shoulder issue took him out of the rotation.
Other notable injuries include Cody Bradford, who missed over three months with a back injury, and Nathan Eovaldi, who was out nearly a month with a groin strain. Jon Gray's multiple injuries, including groin and foot issues, saw him visit the injured list three separate times.
Despite these challenges, manager Bruce Bochy remains focused on finishing the season strong. "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.
Young Talent and Future Prospects
There is a sliver of hope in the form of emerging talents. Evan Carter, who made his MLB debut on September 8 last year, boasted a .306/.413/.645 slash line in 23 regular-season games and a .300/.417/.500 line in the postseason. Wyatt Langford, the No. 4 pick in the 2023 draft, has shown potential with 11 home runs through 150 team games this season.
Chris Young, whose contract was recently extended, expressed optimism about Tyler Mahle's 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 noted.
Contract Situations and Veteran Players
Adding to the complexity of the Rangers' situation are the impending contract decisions. Nathan Eovaldi will need a new contract, assuming he doesn't exercise his $20 million player option. The team also faces decisions regarding veteran players like 37-year-old Kirby Yates and 39-year-old David Robertson, along with free agents Andrew Heaney, José Leclerc, and Max Scherzer.
The season's end will force the Texas Rangers to take a hard look at their roster, injuries, and future prospects. As they attempt to avoid a historic losing season, the team will need to navigate the challenges of an underperforming offense, a beleaguered pitching staff, and important personnel decisions in the offseason. The goal remains clear: to battle through adversity and finish the season with their heads held high.