Struggling Texas Rangers Face Uphill Battle to Avoid Historic Slump
The Texas Rangers are teetering on the edge of an unwanted slice of baseball history. To avoid becoming the first defending World Series champion to end the season with a losing record since the 2014 Boston Red Sox, the Rangers need to win 10 of their final 12 games. It's a steep hill to climb, but one that manager Bruce Bochy hopes his team can scale.
"It's been talked about so much, how difficult it is to repeat," 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."
Last season, the Rangers were an offensive juggernaut, clinching a postseason berth at Game 161 and averaging 5.44 runs per game. This year, the run production has taken a nose dive to 4.15 runs per game. The on-base plus slugging percentage (OPS+) also plummeted from 116 to 92.
The fall-off is particularly evident among the designated hitters, who posted a .220/.315/.388 slash line with 26 home runs last season. This year, they've mustered a meager .200/.263/.309 slash line with just 13 home runs. Injuries have played a significant role in the Rangers' struggles. Key player Josh Jung missed four months with a broken wrist, and Travis Jankowski — ranking fourth on the team in designated hitter starts — hasn't provided the power needed from that spot.
Pitching Woes and Injuries
The injuries have not been confined to the lineup. Jacob deGrom made his season debut only on September 13, and Max Scherzer missed the initial weeks following back surgery. Scherzer returned on June 23 but made only eight starts before a shoulder issue sidelined him again in late July. Tyler Mahle also underwent Tommy John surgery last May and managed only three starts this year before another shoulder issue took him out of action. Cody Bradford, Nathan Eovaldi, and Jon Gray have all spent significant time on the injured list with various ailments.
Promising Young Talents
Despite the struggles, there have been some bright spots. Evan Carter, who made his MLB debut on September 8 of last year, impressed with a .306/.413/.645 slash line in 23 regular-season games, and continued to perform well in the postseason with a .300/.417/.500 line. The team also has high hopes for Wyatt Langford, the No. 4 pick in the 2023 draft, who has hit 11 home runs in 150 games.
Management and Future Contracts
Chris Young's contract extension came at a crucial time, providing continuity from the front office amid a turbulent season. However, the Rangers will face significant decisions in the offseason. Nathan Eovaldi will need a new contract if he doesn't pick up his $20 million player option, and seasoned pitchers Kirby Yates and David Robertson, at 37 and 39 years old respectively, add another layer of complexity. The free agency status of Andrew Heaney, José Leclerc, and Max Scherzer further complicates the team's financial landscape.
Looking Ahead
Young remains optimistic about the future, particularly concerning Mahle's potential. "I think before the surgery, Tyler was really coming into his own, and a couple years ago he had a tremendous season," Young remarked. "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."
The Rangers have a tough path ahead, but the mix of young talent and experienced veterans provides some hope. As the season draws to a close, the team will look to finish on a high note, avoiding a historic slump and setting the stage for a brighter future.