As the Texas Rangers approach the final stretch of their 2023 season, the formidable task ahead is clear: they need to win 10 of their last 12 games to avoid becoming the first defending World Series champion since the 2014 Boston Red Sox to finish with a losing record. The road has been far from smooth, marked by significant slumps in both their offensive firepower and unfortunate injuries that have repeatedly shaken the team's stability.
Offensive Struggles
Last season, the Rangers' offense was a force to be reckoned with, racking up an average of 5.44 runs per game. This year, the output has nosedived to 4.15 runs per game. The team's OPS+ dropped from a robust 116 to a worrying 92. Designated hitters, in particular, have seen a sharp decline, collectively slashing .200/.263/.309 with just 13 home runs compared to last season’s .220/.315/.388 and 26 home runs. Bruce Bochy, the Rangers' manager, acknowledged the challenges, noting, "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."
Brutal Injury List
The injury list for the Rangers has read more like a medical report than a roster. Key players have spent extensive time on the injured list. Notable absences included Josh Jung, who missed four months with a broken wrist, and Nathan Eovaldi, who was sidelined for nearly a month with a groin strain. Max Scherzer, a key acquisition, missed the start of the season due to back surgery and later ran into shoulder issues, limiting him to eight starts before being sidelined again. Tyler Mahle managed only three starts before sustaining a shoulder injury after undergoing Tommy John surgery last May. Cody Bradford spent over three months dealing with a back injury, and Jon Gray was hampered by groin and foot injuries.
Adding to the challenges were the delayed season debuts of both Jacob deGrom, who made his first appearance on September 13, and the promising young talent Evan Carter, who made his MLB debut in September last year. Carter, however, shined when given the opportunity, posting a .306/.413/.645 slash line in 23 regular-season games and an impressive .300/.417/.500 line in the postseason.
Promising Prospects and Contract Decisions
Despite the struggles, there are reasons for optimism. Wyatt Langford, the No. 4 pick in the 2023 draft, has showcased his power, belting 11 home runs in 150 games. Chris Young, whose contract was recently extended, remains optimistic about Tyler Mahle's progress post-surgery. "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 stated.
As the Rangers approach the offseason, several contract decisions loom large. Nathan Eovaldi, assuming he doesn't pick up his $20 million player option, will need a new contract. Veterans like Kirby Yates and David Robertson, aged 37 and 39 respectively, might prompt considerations about the bullpen's future. Additionally, Andrew Heaney, José Leclerc, and Max Scherzer are set to become free agents, potentially reshaping the pitching staff.
The Texas Rangers are not unfamiliar with high stakes and challenging roads. Last season, they clinched a postseason berth at Game 161, demonstrating their resilience and ability to perform under pressure. With veteran leadership from figures like Bochy and emerging stars ready to take the helm, the team is focused on ending the season on a high note and laying a solid foundation for the future. The challenges ahead are steep, but the Rangers have shown they are capable of weathering the storm and rising again.