The Texas Rangers face a crucial stretch as their season approaches its finale. In order to avoid an ignominious end to their campaign, the reigning World Series champions must secure victories in 10 of their remaining 12 games. Failing to do so would make them the first defending champions to finish the season with a losing record since the 71-91 Boston Red Sox in 2014.
Reflecting on the challenges, manager Bruce Bochy commented, "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."
Offensive Struggles
Last year, the Rangers boasted a robust offense, scoring an average of 5.44 runs per game. This season, however, that number has plummeted to 4.15 runs per game. The drop in production is also reflected in the team's OPS+, which fell from 116 to a mere 92. Designated hitters, who last season contributed a .220/.315/.388 slash line with 26 home runs, are struggling significantly. This year, they have posted a .200/.263/.309 slash line and only 13 home runs.
Injuries have undeniably played a role in this downturn. Josh Jung's absence for four months due to a broken wrist has been a substantial blow. Additionally, Travis Jankowski, who ranks fourth on the team in designated hitter starts, has not been able to fill the gap effectively.
Challenges on the Mound
The pitching staff has also faced an inordinate amount of setbacks. Ace Jacob deGrom made his season debut only on September 13, a significant delay. Max Scherzer, expected to be a cornerstone of the rotation, missed the initial weeks due to back surgery and then, upon returning on June 23, managed just eight starts before a shoulder issue sidelined him again in late July.
Tyler Mahle, another key pitcher, underwent Tommy John surgery in May after managing only three starts this season due to shoulder problems. Cody Bradford’s three-month absence with a back injury, along with Nathan Eovaldi's nearly month-long absence due to a groin strain, compounded the team’s woes. Jon Gray, dealing with both groin and foot injuries, visited the injured list three separate times, further destabilizing the rotation.
Pitching coach Chris Young acknowledged the challenges but maintained optimism, particularly about Mahle's future. "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," said Young.
Bright Spots Amidst the Struggles
Despite the adversities, there have been silver linings. Evan Carter has shown tremendous promise since making his MLB debut on September 8 last year. In 23 regular-season games, Carter posted a .306/.413/.645 slash line, and his postseason numbers were also impressive at .300/.417/.500.
Another budding star is Wyatt Langford, the No. 4 pick in the 2023 draft. Langford has demonstrated power potential, knocking 11 home runs over 150 team games this season.
Contractual Considerations and Future Outlook
Looking toward the future, the team's management faces several critical decisions. Chris Young's contract extension provides stability in the front office, yet there remain unresolved questions about key players. Nathan Eovaldi's contract situation is particularly pressing, as he must decide whether to pick up his $20 million player option.
Additionally, the team must consider the futures of aging players like Kirby Yates, 37, and David Robertson, 39. The impending free agency of Andrew Heaney, José Leclerc, and Max Scherzer adds another layer of complexity to the Rangers' offseason planning.
Caught in this whirlwind of injuries, inconsistencies, and looming contractual decisions, the Texas Rangers' 2023 season has been a testing time for players, management, and fans alike. Whether they can salvage these final games to avoid an unflattering record remains to be seen, but the foundations for future success may already be in place, even if this season ends in disappointment.