After winning the World Series last season, it seemed like the Texas Rangers would challenge the Astros for the title of “most dominant team” in the American League. It seemed like their years of big spending and development had paid off. They had exciting players like Marcus Semien and Corey Seager and a decent supporting cast. Plus, they had one of the best managers in MLB history Bruce Bochy. Sure, they had some big names on the IL like Jacob deGrom and Nathaniel Lowe. But, many still had them making the playoffs.
Yet as we sit here right before the start of August, things haven’t gone the Rangers way. They’re currently 51-55, which has been seen as underperforming by many. This has caused many to debate what they’re going to do at the deadline. Are they going to be buyers and try to make a big push for the playoffs? Or will they sell and look towards the future for when they can contend again? However, the smartest thing for the Rangers to do is to stand pat.
Rangers Are Buried in the Standings
As mentioned before the Rangers are four games under .500. That alone should be enough to discourage the Rangers from buying. With the Rangers struggling as much as they had it shows there are major flaws on this roster. Their flaws can’t be solved by having a big trade deadline. The two main issues have been injuries and underperformance. Things that can’t be solved by bringing in some veterans and rental pieces. Unless you’re going to make several blockbuster moves, nothing will change. Plus, the Rangers don’t have the farm system to make the moves necessary to overcome these problems.
American League West Standings
Yet, if the under .500 record and underperformance weren’t enough to convince you, look at the ground they have to make up. Let’s start in the AL West. They’re currently in third, 4.5 games behind the Mariners and the Astros. The problem with trying to make up this ground is the Astros have been one of the hottest teams in the majors. Plus, the Mariners aqcuried one of the biggest targets at the deadline in Randy Arozarena, making the division path next to impossible.
American League Wild Card Standings
However, people will argue that even if they can’t win the division, they can still grab one of the three Wild Card spots. Yet, that path might be even harder than the division. Currently, the Rangers are six games behind the Royals for the final Wild Card. That alone is a lot of ground to make up. However, that isn’t even the hardest part. That would be jumping the four other teams in front of them. All of which are expected to be active buyers come the deadline.
Rangers Could Compete in 2025
You might say to yourself, with a low chance of making the postseason, why not sell? Trade guys to make the farm system deeper and focused on the future. However, the problem with that is that the roster on paper is still good enough to compete. We’re only a season removed from this team winning it all. It wouldn’t make any sense to give up and going into a rebuild when you’re not so far removed from winning baseball ultimate prize.
Especially considering that majority of the core is still intact. As mention before, Semien, Seager, and Nathaniel Lowe are locked up long term and having productive seasons. They’re also exciting young players like Wyatt Langford, Evan Carter, and Josh Jung. All of which seem to have bright futures in the majors. They still have solid pitchers like Jacob deGrom, Nathan Eovaldi, and Jon Gray. The pieces are still there for this team to compete. A couple moves in the offseason and the Rangers could be in the running for a playoff spot in 2025.
Thanks for reading! Credit for my feature image to Sam Hodde. You can find more MLB content at Belly Up Sports and follow me on Twitter/X.
