The Texas Rangers find themselves in a precarious position as they approach the final stretch of the MLB season. Needing to win 10 of their last 12 games to avoid a losing record, the team risks joining the ranks of the 2014 Boston Red Sox, who ended their season as the first defending World Series champions to finish with a sub-.500 record since 1998. Last season, Texas clinched a postseason berth at Game 161, but the current campaign has been riddled with challenges, both in performance and health.
Offensive Drop-off
The Rangers’ offensive output has significantly declined from last year. After averaging 5.44 runs per game in their championship-winning season, they have managed just 4.15 runs per game this year. The team's OPS+ has also dropped from 116 to a below-average 92, indicating a stark decline in overall hitting efficiency. Designated hitters have particularly struggled, moving from a .220/.315/.388 slash line with 26 home runs last season to a dismal .200/.263/.309 line with just 13 home runs in the current campaign.
Injury Woes
Injuries have plagued the Rangers throughout the season. Josh Jung missed four months due to a broken wrist, while key players like Travis Jankowski, Jacob deGrom, and Max Scherzer have also missed considerable time. Scherzer, who started the season late due to back surgery, managed just eight starts before a shoulder issue sidelined him again. Tyler Mahle, who had Tommy John surgery last May, made only three starts before another shoulder issue took him out of play.
Pitching injuries further extended to Cody Bradford, who was out for over three months with a back injury, Nathan Eovaldi, who missed nearly a month due to a groin strain, and Jon Gray, who has been on the injured list three times with groin and foot issues.
Glimmers of Hope
Despite the injuries, some players have established themselves as promising talents. Evan Carter made his MLB debut last September and has shown significant potential with a .306/.413/.645 slash line in 23 regular-season games and a .300/.417/.500 performance in the postseason. Meanwhile, Wyatt Langford, the No. 4 pick in the 2023 draft, has contributed with 11 home runs through 150 team games.
As part of the broader strategy to secure the team's future, Chris Young's contract has been extended. His leadership will be crucial in maintaining stability. Young remains optimistic about Tyler 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. 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 remarked.
Navigating Future Challenges
The Rangers also face looming roster and contract decisions. Nathan Eovaldi will need a new contract, assuming he doesn't pick up his $20 million player option. With key players like Andrew Heaney, José Leclerc, and Max Scherzer entering free agency, and with veterans like Kirby Yates and David Robertson aging, the front office has a busy off-season ahead.
Reflecting on the season struggles, manager Bruce Bochy acknowledged the difficulties of repeating success, stating, "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." The team’s ability to navigate these final games will set the tone for rebuilding and future success.