The Texas Rangers find themselves in a precarious position this season. After clinching a postseason berth at Game 161 last year and boasting an impressive offense that scored 5.44 runs per game, the defending World Series champions now need to win 10 of their final 12 games to avoid becoming the first title holders since the 2014 Boston Red Sox to end the season with a losing record.
"It's been talked about so much, how difficult it is to repeat," manager Bruce Bochy said. "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."
Offensive Struggles
The Rangers' offensive woes have been stark. This season, they have managed only 4.15 runs per game, a noticeable decline from last year's performance. The team’s OPS+ dropped from 116 last season to a mere 92. Designated hitters, who combined for a .220/.315/.388 slash line with 26 home runs last season, have offered an anemic .200/.263/.309 line with just 13 home runs this year. Contributing to the offensive struggles, Josh Jung missed four months with a broken wrist. Meanwhile, Evan Carter, who made his MLB debut on September 8 last year and showcased a promising .306/.413/.645 slash line in 23 regular-season games, has not been able to replicate those numbers consistently.
Pitching Woes and Injuries
The Rangers' pitchers have not been spared from the injury bug. Jacob deGrom made his season debut only on September 13 after spending most of the year sidelined. Max Scherzer missed the first few weeks due to back surgery, returned on June 23, made eight starts, and then faced another setback with a shoulder issue in late July. Tyler Mahle, who underwent Tommy John surgery last May, managed only three starts this year before a shoulder issue sidelined him again. Cody Bradford endured over three months off the mound due to a back injury, and Nathan Eovaldi missed nearly a month with a groin strain. Jon Gray also visited the injured list multiple times, dealing with groin and foot injuries.
Despite these setbacks, Chris Young, the team's executive, remains optimistic about Mahle's future. "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 stated.
Looking Ahead
The Rangers' management faces several crucial decisions in the near future. Nathan Eovaldi will need a new contract unless he opts to pick up his $20 million player option. The free agency of key players like Andrew Heaney, José Leclerc, and Max Scherzer will also shape the team's offseason strategies. Furthermore, the Rangers will need to decide on the futures of aging veterans like Kirby Yates (37) and David Robertson (39).
On a brighter note, fresh talent is emerging. Wyatt Langford, the No. 4 pick in the 2023 draft, has shown promise with 11 home runs through 150 team games. Josh Jung and Evan Carter also represent the future potential of the team. Chris Young's recent contract extension signifies a vote of confidence from the organization in his leadership and vision.
The Texas Rangers have weathered a challenging season filled with injuries and underperformance. All eyes will be on how they manage these final games and what steps they take to build a competitive team for the upcoming seasons. As Bruce Bochy aptly put it, "Every season is different, it takes a life of its own." The Rangers can only hope the coming years breathe new life into their quest for continued success on the diamond.