The Texas Rangers find themselves in a precarious position as the regular season draws to a close. With only 12 games remaining, the Rangers need to win 10 out of these to avoid an undesirable spot in the record books. The last defending World Series champion to finish the following season with a losing record was the 2014 Boston Red Sox, who ended their campaign at 71-91.
"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," said Rangers' manager Bruce Bochy.
Offensive Struggles
The Rangers' offensive output has significantly declined from last season. Last year, the team averaged 5.44 runs per game. This season, they've managed only 4.15 runs per game. Moreover, their OPS+ dropped from a respectable 116 last year to a dismal 92 this season. Designated hitters, who combined for a .220/.315/.388 slash line with 26 home runs last season, have also struggled, posting just a .200/.263/.309 slash line with 13 home runs this year.
Josh Jung's four-month absence due to a broken wrist and Travis Jankowski ranking fourth on the team in designated hitter starts indicate gaps in offensive consistency. Furthermore, new and returning players haven't lived up to expectations. Evan Carter, who made his MLB debut on September 8 last year and boasted a .306/.413/.645 slash line in 23 regular-season games, has yet to replicate that impact.
Pitching Woes
Compounding their offensive issues are numerous injuries to key pitchers. Jacob deGrom only made his season debut on September 13. Max Scherzer missed the initial weeks of the season due to back surgery, returned on June 23, only to be sidelined again in late July because of a shoulder issue. Another notable struggle has been Tyler Mahle, who underwent Tommy John surgery last May and managed merely three starts this year before another shoulder concern took him out.
“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,” noted General Manager Chris Young.
Adding to their woes, Cody Bradford missed over three months with a back injury, Nathan Eovaldi was out for nearly a month due to a groin strain, and Jon Gray's groin and foot injuries landed him on the injured list thrice. The injuries significantly hindered the team's ability to field a consistent and effective pitching rotation.
Future Prospects and Challenges
While the Rangers continue to face uphill battles, there are glimmers of hope. Wyatt Langford, the No. 4 pick in the 2023 draft, has already made an impression with 11 home runs through 150 team games this season. Evan Carter's postseason performance last year, with a .300/.417/.500 line, indicates potential for future seasons. Additionally, the recent contract extension of Chris Young signals stability in the team's front office.
However, decisions loom large. Nathan Eovaldi will need a new contract, assuming he doesn't pick up his $20 million player option. The future of veterans like Kirby Yates (37 years old) and David Robertson (39 years old) remains uncertain. Additionally, Andrew Heaney, José Leclerc, and Max Scherzer are set to become free agents.
As the season winds down, the Rangers have several challenges to address. Maintaining a healthy and effective roster will be crucial. For a team that clinched a postseason berth as recently as Game 161 last year, these final games will be a test of character and resilience. The road ahead is steep, but as Bochy emphasized, "Our goal is to finish strong here."