The Texas Rangers face a formidable challenge as they head into the final stretch of the season. To avoid becoming the first defending World Series champion to finish with a losing record since the 2014 Boston Red Sox, the Rangers need to win 10 out of their last 12 games. The drop in their performance is underscored by their runs per game, which have decreased dramatically from 5.44 last season to just 4.15 this year. Their team OPS+ has also plummeted from 116 to 92, reflecting broader struggles across the roster.
Many of the team’s woes can be linked to a series of injuries to key players. Josh Jung missed four months due to a broken wrist, and Cody Bradford was out for over three months with a back injury. Nathan Eovaldi grappled with a groin strain that sidelined him for nearly a month, while Jon Gray contended with both groin and foot injuries, resulting in three separate stints on the injured list. The team also had to navigate the absence of Max Scherzer, who missed the start of the regular season following back surgery and later had a return delayed by a shoulder issue.
Designated Hitter Woes
Another area of concern for the Rangers has been the lackluster performance of their designated hitters. Last year, the designated hitters posted a .220/.315/.388 slash line with 26 home runs. This season, they have regressed to a disappointing .200/.263/.309 with only 13 home runs. Travis Jankowski, who ranks fourth on the team in designated hitter starts, symbolizes part of the underlying problem.
Hope on the Horizon
Despite the setbacks, there are reasons for optimism. Bruce Bochy's return to manage the team has been a beacon of hope. "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 stated.
Evan Carter, who made his MLB debut on September 8 last year, offers another bright spot. Carter had an impressive .306/.413/.645 slash line in 23 regular-season games and managed a .300/.417/.500 line in the postseason. Similarly, Wyatt Langford, the fourth pick in the 2023 draft, has shown promise by hitting 11 home runs through 150 games this season.
Pitching Troubles
The pitching staff hasn’t been immune to troubles either. Jacob deGrom’s late debut on September 13 and injuries to Max Scherzer significantly hampered the team. Scherzer's return on June 23 saw him make eight starts before being sidelined again in late July. Tyler Mahle, who underwent Tommy John surgery last May, managed only three starts this season before a shoulder issue once again took him out of rotation. Chris Young’s optimism about Mahle’s future hints at some potential recovery: "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 Conundrums
Looking ahead to changes in the roster, Nathan Eovaldi will be a free agent unless he picks up his $20 million player option. Kirby Yates, at 37 years old, and David Robertson, now 39, bring experience but also questions for the front office regarding their future roles. Additionally, the contracts of Andrew Heaney, José Leclerc, and Max Scherzer are all set to expire, which will add another layer of complexity to the team’s off-season decisions.
The Road Ahead
With Chris Young’s contract recently extended, the organization’s leadership remains steadfast in navigating these challenges. The focus now shifts to how the team can capitalize on its remaining games to salvage the season and rebuild for the future. The resilience of the Rangers will be tested, but their ability to overcome adversity with emerging talents and strategic decisions could pave the way for a promising turnaround. Whether they can meet the daunting task of winning 10 out of their last 12 games will be a definitive measure of their resilience and determination in a season riddled with challenges.