As the 2023 Major League Baseball season winds down, the Texas Rangers find themselves in a precarious position. To avoid the ignominy of becoming the first defending World Series champion to finish with a losing record since the 2014 Boston Red Sox, the Rangers need 10 wins out of their final 12 games. For a team that clinched a postseason berth at Game 161 last year, the stakes couldn't be higher.
Offensively, this season has been a struggle for the Rangers. Last year, they averaged 5.44 runs per game, but that figure has plummeted to 4.15 runs per game this season. The team's OPS+ has also seen a steep decline, dropping from 116 to 92. The production from designated hitters is a glaring issue. In 2022, the designated hitters combined for a .220/.315/.388 slash line with 26 home runs. This year, those numbers have dipped to .200/.263/.309 with just 13 home runs. Injuries and underperformance have played their part in these dwindling statistics.
Josh Jung's four-month absence due to a broken wrist was a significant blow. Additionally, Travis Jankowski, who ranks fourth on the team in designated hitter starts, has not managed to fill the offensive gap left by star players. Pitching, however, has been an even greater challenge.
Jacob deGrom made his season debut only on September 13. Max Scherzer, who had to undergo back surgery, returned to action on June 23 but managed just eight starts before a shoulder issue sidelined him in late July. Tyler Mahle's season was cut short when he underwent Tommy John surgery last May. Cody Bradford and Nathan Eovaldi also missed significant time with back and groin injuries, respectively, while Jon Gray dealt with multiple groin and foot injuries, resulting in three separate stints on the injured list.
Despite the setbacks, there are some bright spots. 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 and a .300/.417/.500 showing in the postseason. Another rising star is Wyatt Langford, selected as the No. 4 pick in the 2023 draft, who has already hit 11 home runs this season.
Throughout these trials, the Rangers have leaned heavily on the leadership of their manager, Bruce Bochy. Reflecting on the season, Bochy said, "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."
The front office remains optimistic about the team's future, bolstered by the recent contract extension of General Manager Chris Young. Speaking on Tyler Mahle's potential return, Young noted, "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."
With the season nearing its end, contract negotiations will soon be a focal point. Nathan Eovaldi, assuming he doesn't pick up his $20 million player option, will need a new contract. The same goes for free agents Andrew Heaney, José Leclerc, and Max Scherzer. Additionally, the age factor looms large with veterans like 37-year-old Kirby Yates and 39-year-old David Robertson contemplating their future in the game.
The 2023 season has indeed been a rollercoaster for the Texas Rangers. While the team grappled with several adversities, including injuries and underperformance, they remain focused on closing out the season on a strong note. As they continue to battle on the field, the looming questions of player health, potential returns, and contract renewals add another layer of complexity to an already challenging season.
In the end, the resilience and adaptability shown by the team and the front office will be crucial as they look to navigate these hurdles and prepare for what lies ahead.