As the Texas Rangers approach the conclusion of a turbulent season, the challenge ahead is clear: they need to secure victory in 10 of their remaining 12 games. This is to avoid the dubious distinction of becoming the first defending World Series champion since the 2014 Boston Red Sox to finish with a losing record. With a current run production of only 4.15 runs per game, down significantly from last year’s 5.44, the Rangers find themselves in a precarious position.
Head coach Bruce Bochy acknowledges the difficult path to repeat 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. His words capture the essence of a season marred by underperformance and a spate of injuries.
Struggles at the Plate
Offensive production has been a glaring issue. The team's On-base Plus Slugging (OPS+) dropped from a robust 116 last year to a concerning 92 this year. The designated hitters, in particular, have underperformed, dropping from a .220/.315/.388 slash line with 26 home runs to a mere .200/.263/.309 with just 13 homers. The absence of players like Josh Jung, who missed four months with a broken wrist, has only exacerbated the problem. Additionally, Travis Jankowski, ranking fourth on the team in DH starts, has not been the solution the team hoped for.
Injury Woes
Starting pitcher Jacob deGrom made his season debut only on September 13. Max Scherzer had his own struggles, missing the first few weeks due to back surgery. He returned on June 23 and made eight starts before a shoulder issue sidelined him again in late July. Tyler Mahle's season barely got off the ground, as he managed only three starts before also being sidelined with a shoulder issue, after undergoing Tommy John surgery last May. Cody Bradford missed over three months with a back injury, Nathan Eovaldi was out nearly a month with a groin strain, and Jon Gray grappled with groin and foot injuries leading to three separate stints on the injured list.
These injuries have created a season defined by inconsistency and hardship. Despite these setbacks, there have been sparks of hope. Evan Carter, who made his MLB debut last September, posted an impressive .306/.413/.645 slash line in 23 regular-season games and continued to shine in the postseason with a .300/.417/.500 line.
Future Prospects
Meanwhile, the team is looking ahead with optimism, especially when it comes to their younger talent. Wyatt Langford, the No. 4 pick in the 2023 draft, has already shown his potential with 11 home runs through 150 games this season. Jack Leiter, another high draft pick, promises a bright future for the Rangers' pitching rotation.
General Manager Chris Young has been a steadying presence, recently having his contract extended. Young spoke highly of Tyler Mahle's recovery trajectory, stating, "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."
Contractual Considerations
As the Rangers evaluate their roster for next season, several key players' contract situations will need addressing. Nathan Eovaldi’s future remains uncertain, assuming he doesn’t pick up his $20 million player option. The team also faces the prospect of free agency for veterans like Andrew Heaney, José Leclerc, and Max Scherzer. Age is becoming a factor for the bullpen as well, with Kirby Yates and David Robertson being 37 and 39 years old, respectively.
The final games of the season will be critical, not just for salvaging a winning record but also for assessing which players will be part of the Rangers' future plans. While the shadow of a disappointing season looms large, there's a resolve to finish strong and build a team capable of contending once again.