After a remarkable journey to the 2023 World Series, the 2024 Texas Rangers and Adolis García faced a harsh reality check. (AP Photo/Albert Pena)
2024 Season: Eliminated on Sept. 20, 3rd in AL West
Let’s examine the 2024 season for the Texas Rangers, the challenges the team will need to tackle this offseason, and the preliminary forecast for 2025.
Read more: 2024 MLB offseason previews: What’s next for the White Sox, A’s, Pirates, and more?
Positive Highlights
Banners may fly forever, but not much went as planned for the 2024 Rangers, who have the unfortunate title of being the first team since the 2014 Red Sox to transition from a World Series championship to a losing record in the following 162-game season.
Only a handful of players surpassed expectations this season. One standout was the duo of veteran relievers, Kirby Yates and David Robertson, who impressively reversed the aging process, providing the team with dependable late-game support. Yates mainly served as the closer, while Robertson took on the setup role, yet both proved effective regardless of how they were utilized.
While Corey Seager could not replicate his stunning 2023 statistics, which featured a 1.013 OPS, he remained a potent hitter, blending strong power with a solid capacity to get on base. Additionally, Josh Smith emerged as a small beacon of hope as he saw an increased role while showcasing his versatility across various positions.
Negative Aspects
Transitioning from World Series champions to a mere contender can unveil a multitude of failures.
Though Marcus Semien was not a colossal letdown, he did experience a marked decline in his offensive performance compared to previous years. Nevertheless, it is worth noting that Semien maintained his reputation as one of the most durable players in baseball. His drop-off in performance was not as drastic as البعض قد قد يعتقد.
than Adolis García, who played a pivotal role in Texas’ World Series journey. García excelled in April this year but saw his performance dip below .200 over the subsequent three months.
However, veterans were not the sole issue in the batting order, as younger players like Wyatt Langford, Evan Carter, and Josh Jung fell short of high expectations. Langford was anticipated to be among baseball’s most thrilling newcomers, yet he struggled in April, missed a significant portion of May due to a hamstring injury, and remained largely ineffective for the remainder of the season.
Carter’s performance was even more disappointing. After an impressive September and postseason last year, the outfielder struggled with a .633 OPS this season and appeared in only 45 games due to a back injury. Jung fractured his wrist just four games into the season, sidelining him until July 29.
Meanwhile, aging pitchers Max Scherzer and Jacob deGrom did not leave a significant mark. Scherzer came back from a season-opening back injury in June, but after just eight starts, he returned to the IL due to shoulder fatigue. DeGrom was expected to reinvigorate the rotation as the season progressed, but by the time he was ready for a rehab start, the team was already out of playoff contention.
Offseason Plans
The silver lining is that a team capable of winning the World Series last year can quickly get back on track.
Seager and Semien are both signed to long-term contracts, ensuring they will remain the double-play combination. García is expected to rebound, and Langford along with Carter must progress. These three could combine with Leody Taveras to create a formidable outfield lineup. Jung is set to be the team’s third baseman, and if he can reverse a two-year downward trend, Nathaniel Lowe can maintain his role at first base. Another player expected to bounce back is Jonah Heim, who will continue as the primary catcher if he can recover from a subpar season.
MLB Playoffs 2024 Tracker: Keep up with the postseason picture as it develops
While the offense looks to its current players to improve, the pitching staff presents a more complicated challenge. Scherzer, Nathan Eovaldi, and Andrew Heaney are all heading for free agency. DeGrom has the potential to reclaim his status as a staff ace, but his performance in his first full season after Tommy John surgery remains a significant concern. Tyler Mahle is even more uncertain, having made three starts after his own Tommy John surgery before going back on the IL with a shoulder injury. Cody Bradford showed some promise this year and should be included in the rotation, alongside Dane Dunning, who had a disappointing season. Consequently, the Rangers should aim to acquire two dependable starters through free agency or trades.
The bullpen will require just as much attention as the rotation. Yates is heading into free agency, and Robertson has a mutual option for 2025. The team will also need to replace José Leclerc, who will become a free agent following an inconsistent eight-season spell with Texas. General Manager Chris Young will aim to add at least two relievers as a minimum requirement.
Prospects on the Horizon
As Langford and Carter have transitioned out of the prospect pool, the team is now lacking notable prospects ready for the majors.
The top prospects possess substantial long-term potential but are not expected to debut next year. Kumar Rocker, the third overall pick in the 2022 MLB Draft, is recovering from Tommy John surgery performed in 2023 and is likely to debut in 2026. Among position players, the most promising prospect is 18-year-old Sebastian Walcott.
Justin Foscue might not boast a high ceiling but had a solid performance in Triple-A this year. The 25-year-old had a brief stint with the Rangers and spent time on the IL due to an oblique injury. Although he is blocked at second base by Semien, he could serve as a utility player capable of covering both corner infield positions. Foscue may also turn out to be a valuable trade asset in the Rangers’ pursuit of pitching assistance.
Emiliano Teodo could be a valuable addition to the rotation in the latter half of 2025. The 23-year-old has advanced to Double-A, and like many prospects, he exhibits better swing-and-miss skills than control. Teodo impressed at the 2024 Futures Game.
Goals for 2025
By 2025, the Rangers should aim for a place in the postseason. Significant contributions are expected from several key position players, including Semien, García, Langford, Carter, and Jung. While this may seem like a heavy ask, the veterans among them have proven themselves capable in the past, and the younger players were recently ranked as some of the most sought-after prospects in baseball.
Furthermore, the front office will need to allocate funds to enhance the pitching staff. Without bolstering their roster with new arms, the team will struggle to compensate for their pitching deficiencies through offense alone.
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Fantasy focus
Seager stands out as one of baseball’s premier hitters and is expected to be a second-round fantasy selection, though his lack of stolen bases is a minor drawback. The situation with the rest of the Rangers may present challenges for fantasy managers. Can García regain the form that led to his 39-home run season? How many innings will deGrom be able to pitch? Are Langford and Carter finally prepared to meet the expectations set for them this year?
DeGrom’s selection could fall in the range of Rounds 3-5, contingent on his performance in spring training. García, Langford, Carter, Semien, and Jung are anticipated to be picked during Rounds 6-12.
# From Champions to Chumps: Reflecting on the Texas Rangers’ Tumultuous 2024 Season and Future Prospects
## Overview of the 2024 Season
The Texas Rangers’ 2024 season was a rollercoaster ride that left fans wondering what went wrong. After claiming the World Series title in 2023, expectations were sky-high. However, injuries, inconsistent performances, and managerial decisions plagued the team throughout the year. Each of these challenges contributed to a dramatic decline in their performance, transforming the reigning champions into a team of chumps.
### Key Statistics of the 2024 Season
| **Statistical Category** | **2023 (Champions)** | **2024 (Chumps)** |
|————————–|———————-|——————–|
| Wins | 95 | 74 |
| Losses | 67 | 88 |
| Batting Average | .265 | .240 |
| ERA | 3.56 | 4.75 |
| Home Runs | 220 | 170 |
## Injury Woes
Injuries played a significant role in derailing the Texas Rangers’ campaign. Key players, including star pitcher Jacob deGrom and slugger Adolis García, spent significant time on the injured list. The absence of these crucial players created a ripple effect throughout the lineup, leading to:
– **Decreased Offensive Output**: Without their power hitters, the Rangers struggled to produce runs consistently.
– **Shaky Pitching Rotation**: The loss of deGrom meant that younger pitchers had to step up, but their inexperience showed, leading to higher ERA and more losses.
### Impact of Injuries on Team Dynamics
The injuries not only affected individual performances but also shifted team dynamics. When core players missed games, it forced a reliance on less experienced players, which led to:
– **Increased Pressure**: Rookies and backup players faced pressure to perform at a high level, which often resulted in mistakes and costly errors.
- **Team Morale**: The constant changes in the lineup and losing streaks contributed to a dip in team morale, making it even harder to bounce back.
## Inconsistent Performances
Another significant factor contributing to the Rangers’ tumultuous season was the inconsistency of their remaining roster. Players who had previously performed at a high level struggled to find their rhythm, and this inconsistency showcased flaws in both the batting and pitching departments.
### Offensive Struggles
At the plate, the Rangers fell short of their potential. The drop in the team batting average to .240 reflected a lack of timely hitting and a failure to capitalize on scoring opportunities. Key issues included:
– **Lack of Clutch Hitting**: Many games were lost due to an inability to score with runners in scoring position.
– **Struggles Against Left-Handed Pitchers**: The team posted a dismal average against left-handed pitching, making them predictable and easier to defend.
### Pitching Difficulties
On the mound, the Rangers’ pitching staff was plagued by inconsistency. Relievers struggled to hold leads, and starters could not go deep into games, which put additional strain on the bullpen.
– **High ERA**: A significant increase in team ERA to 4.75 compared to the previous season highlighted the pitching woes.
– **Inability to Close Games**: The team often found themselves in tight contests but lacked the composure to finish, leading to numerous blown saves.
## Managerial Decisions
The decisions made by the coaching staff throughout the season were scrutinized heavily by fans and analysts alike. While a first-time championship manager might have benefited from the team’s success, the same cannot be said for the 2024 season.
### Key Controversial Decisions
– **Lineup Changes**: Frequent changes in the batting order led to confusion and a lack of cohesion among hitters.
– **Pitching Rotation Management**: Decisions regarding starting pitchers and relief usage often backfired, leading to strategic errors that cost the Rangers critical games.
## Future Prospects for the Texas Rangers
Despite the difficulties faced during the 2024 season, there remains a glimmer of hope for the Texas Rangers. The organization is known for its resilience and commitment to building a competitive team.
### Areas for Improvement
To bounce back and reclaim their status as contenders, the Rangers need to focus on the following areas:
– **Injury Management**: Investing in a robust medical staff and preventive care for players can help reduce the impact of injuries.
– **Player Development**: Continued focus on developing young prospects can provide depth and versatility, ensuring that the team has talent ready to step up when needed.
– **Strategic Acquisitions**: The offseason presents opportunities to acquire key players through trades or free agency, particularly in areas of need like pitching.
### Building a Winning Culture
To shift from being recognized as “chumps” back to “champions,” the Rangers must prioritize building a winning culture within the organization. This involves:
– **Strengthening Team Chemistry**: Encouraging team bonding activities and fostering a positive environment can help improve morale.
– **Establishing Leadership**: Identifying leaders in the locker room who can guide younger players and maintain focus during challenging times.
## Case Studies: Teams That Rebounded After a Tough Season
Several Major League Baseball teams have successfully rebounded after disappointing seasons, providing valuable lessons for the Texas Rangers.
### Example 1: Chicago Cubs (2015-2016)
– **2015 Season**: The Cubs finished with a strong record but faced early playoff exit.
– **2016 Strategy**: They made strategic signings and focused on team cohesion, leading to a championship the following season.
### Example 2: Houston Astros (2014-2015)
– **2014 Season**: The Astros faced a tough year with a losing record.
– **2015 Strategy**: They focused on player development and analytics, resulting in two World Series titles in recent years.
## Practical Tips for Fans
As fans of the Texas Rangers, staying positive and engaged through tough seasons is essential. Here are some practical tips for supporting the team:
– **Attend Games**: Show your support by attending games, cheering for the players, and creating a vibrant home atmosphere.
– **Engage on Social Media**: Follow the team’s social media accounts to stay updated and engage with fellow fans.
- **Participate in Community Events**: Join community events organized by the team to connect with other fans and show your loyalty.
## Conclusion
While the Texas Rangers’ 2024 season was filled with challenges, the potential for future success remains. With a focus on injury management, player development, and building a winning culture, the team can recover from this tumultuous chapter and aim for championship glory once again. Fans can support the team through thick and thin, hoping to witness a return to form in the coming seasons.
