The Texas Rangers face grueling challenges as they approach the season's end, needing to secure 10 wins in their final 12 games to avoid finishing with a losing record. This objective, while daunting, is critical to prevent them from becoming the first defending World Series champion to post a losing record since the 2014 Boston Red Sox.
Last season, the Rangers clinched their postseason berth at Game 161 with an impressive run, underscored by scoring an average of 5.44 runs per game. This year, however, has told a different story: the team's offensive production has dropped significantly to just 4.15 runs per game. The decline in their OPS+ from 116 last season to 92 this year highlights a broader struggle at the plate, with the designated hitters seeing the most pronounced drop-off. Their collective slash line tumbled from .220/.315/.388 with 26 homers last season to a discouraging .200/.263/.309 with only 13 home runs this year.
Injuries have hampered the Rangers significantly. Josh Jung's four-month absence due to a broken wrist has been a considerable loss. The pitching staff, too, has seen key players miss significant time. Jacob deGrom managed to make his season debut only on September 13, while Max Scherzer, who began the season sidelined by back surgery, missed additional time due to a shoulder issue after an eight-game stretch starting in late June.
Further complicating the Rangers' campaign, Tyler Mahle's season was thwarted by Tommy John surgery last May. Despite returning to the field, a shoulder issue limited him to just three starts. Cody Bradford's over three-month absence due to a back injury and Nathan Eovaldi's nearly month-long hiatus because of a groin strain have also disrupted the pitching lineup. Jon Gray faced multiple injuries, including groin and foot issues, which led to three separate visits to the injured list.
Young talents have stepped up under these circumstances. Evan Carter, who made his MLB debut on September 8 last year, impressed with a .306/.413/.645 slash line in 23 regular-season games. His postseason performance was similarly strong, posting a .300/.417/.500 line. Additionally, Wyatt Langford, a significant prospect as the No. 4 pick in the 2023 draft, has managed to hit 11 home runs through 150 games, showing promise for the future.
Leadership evaluations and contract scenarios further outline the Rangers' challenging landscape. Chris Young, recently extended in his managerial role, expressed optimism about Tyler Mahle’s potential return. "I think before the surgery, Tyler was really coming into his own," Young noted. "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 with upside potential."
Nathan Eovaldi looms as another crucial decision, needing a new contract unless he opts in for his $20 million player option. Further complicating roster decisions, the Rangers have several other pending free agents, including Andrew Heaney, José Leclerc, and Max Scherzer.
The Rangers also face the inevitability of age and career longevity with key players like Kirby Yates at 37 years old and David Robertson at 39. These veteran presences contrast sharply with the youthful energy provided by Carter and Langford, suggesting a blend of seasoned leadership and emerging talent for the future.
Manager Bruce Bochy, acknowledging the series of setbacks this season, remains focused on finishing strong. "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 emphasized.
The Texas Rangers have much at stake in the final stretch of this season. Their performance over the last 12 games will not only determine their record but will also set the tone for the franchise's future trajectory, balancing the experiences of veteran players with the aspirations of rising stars.