The Texas Rangers find themselves teetering on the edge of an unwanted historical milestone. With just 12 games remaining in their season, the reigning World Series champions need to capture 10 victories to avoid becoming the first defending champions to end the season with a losing record since the 2014 Boston Red Sox.
It was only last year that the Rangers were riding high, clinching a postseason berth at Game 161 and putting up an impressive 5.44 runs per game. Fast forward to this season, however, and the magic seems to have disappeared. The team has managed only 4.15 runs per game, a sharp decline that’s reflected in their offensive metrics. The Rangers’ OPS+ dropped from 116 last year to a dismal 92 this year, a significant regression for a team that had high expectations.
Much of the blame for the offensive struggles can be pinned on the underperformance of the designated hitters. Last season, Rangers' designated hitters posted a .220/.315/.388 slash line with 26 home runs. This year, those numbers have plummeted to a .200/.263/.309 slash line, with only 13 home runs. Key injuries have also played a critical role in the Rangers’ struggles. Josh Jung missed four months with a broken wrist, and notable setbacks have impacted several other players, including Jacob deGrom, who only made his season debut on September 13, and Max Scherzer, who has been in and out of the lineup due to a series of injuries.
Scherzer’s season in particular has been a rollercoaster. He missed the first few weeks of the regular season recovering from back surgery, returned on June 23, and managed to make eight starts before a shoulder issue sidelined him again in late July. Tyler Mahle has had a similarly rocky year, undergoing Tommy John surgery last May and managing only three starts before facing another shoulder issue. Cody Bradford and Nathan Eovaldi have also been frequently absent due to injuries, further complicating the team’s rotation stability.
Bruce Bochy, the Rangers' manager, summed up the season’s challenges succinctly: "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."
Youth and Future Prospects
Amidst the turbulence, there have been bright spots, particularly with the younger talents. Evan Carter, who made his MLB debut last September, impressed with a .306/.413/.645 slash line in 23 regular-season games and a solid .300/.417/.500 line in the postseason. Wyatt Langford, the No. 4 pick in the 2023 draft, has demonstrated power with 11 home runs through 150 team games this season.
However, the team’s hopes for the future aren’t solely pinned on their rookie sensations. Chris Young, whose contract was recently extended, voiced optimism about the potential return of Tyler Mahle: "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 Concerns and Veteran Roster
The off-season will be particularly crucial for the Rangers as they navigate contract renewals and potential free agency losses. Nathan Eovaldi will be seeking a new contract unless he picks up his $20 million player option. Meanwhile, veterans Kirby Yates and David Robertson are nearing the twilight of their careers at 37 and 39 years old, respectively. Additionally, Andrew Heaney, José Leclerc, and Max Scherzer will all enter free agency, forcing the Rangers' front office to make pivotal decisions about the roster's future.
One key young player to watch is Jack Leiter, the No. 2 pick in the draft, whose development could be instrumental in maintaining the team's competitive edge. While the path ahead is riddled with uncertainties, the potential embedded in this lineup—if they can stay healthy and regain their form—suggests that the Rangers are not far from reclaiming their lost luster.
As the season winds down, the Texas Rangers are aiming to avoid an ignominious record while building a foundation for next year's campaign. The disappointment of this season provides a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of baseball, but the resilience and potential of the squad keep hope alive in Arlington.