The quest for a team to repeat as World Series champions has proven to be a formidable challenge, and the Texas Rangers are discovering first-hand just how steep the climb can be. As the regular season nears its conclusion, the Rangers find themselves in a precarious position: they need to win 10 of their final 12 games to avoid becoming the first defending champions to finish with a losing record since the 2014 Boston Red Sox, who ended that year 71-91.
Reflecting on the season’s struggles, Texas Rangers manager Bruce Bochy said, "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."
Offensive Decline
Last season, the Rangers were an offensive powerhouse, scoring an average of 5.44 runs per game. This season, however, they've managed just 4.15 runs per game, a significant drop that has played a key role in their struggles. The team’s OPS+ also experienced a decline, falling from 116 last year to 92 this season.
The designated hitter position, in particular, has seen a stark drop-off. Last season, Rangers' designated hitters posted a combined .220/.315/.388 slash line with 26 home runs. This season, those numbers have dipped to .200/.263/.309 with just 13 homers, despite Travis Jankowski, who ranks fourth on the team in designated hitter starts, stepping up when needed.
A Season Plagued by Injuries
Injuries have been a significant hindrance for the Rangers. Star third baseman Josh Jung missed four months with a broken wrist, and the rotation has been equally affected. Jacob deGrom only made his season debut on September 13, while Max Scherzer, who missed the first few weeks following back surgery, returned in late June only to be sidelined again in late July with a shoulder issue.
Other pitchers have faced similar fates. Tyler Mahle underwent Tommy John surgery last May and managed just three starts this year before a shoulder problem once again sidelined him. Cody Bradford missed over three months with a back injury, Nathan Eovaldi was out nearly a month with a groin strain, and Jon Gray has dealt with groin and foot injuries, resulting in three separate stints on the injured list.
Bright Spots and Future Prospects
Despite the struggles, there have been some bright spots for the Rangers. Evan Carter, who made his MLB debut last September, has continued to impress, posting 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 also shown promise with 11 home runs through 150 team games this season.
Reflecting on one of the team’s key pitchers, Rangers' General Manager Chris Young expressed optimism: "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."
Contract Considerations
Looking ahead, the Rangers face several decisions regarding player contracts. Chris Young, whose contract was recently extended, will steer these negotiations. Nathan Eovaldi will need a new contract, assuming he doesn't pick up his $20 million player option. Additionally, the team will have to decide on the futures of veterans Kirby Yates, who is 37, and David Robertson, who is 39, as well as Andrew Heaney, José Leclerc, and Max Scherzer, who will all be free agents.
As the Texas Rangers strive to end their season on a high note, they will need a combination of timely hitting, health, and a bit of luck to avoid an ignominious fate and carry momentum into the next year. Regardless of how this season ends, the franchise will have several vital decisions to make as it prepares for future campaigns.