My Thoughts About the Texas Rangers in 2024

The 2024 World Series has come and went. Unfortunately, the Rangers quest of repeating as champs didn't go as planned. They ended up finishing the season with a record of 78-84, which they placed third in the AL West behind the Mariners and Astros, who would end up winning the division. I'm not upset, but it's not surprising either. It's hard to repeat when you are the defending World Series Champions. Yes, there's always expectations for doing such of a thing. There hasn't been a team that hasn't done such a feat since the New York Yankees back in 2000. That was also the last time they completed the three-peat, winning three World Series titles in a row from 1998-2000. In the case of the Texas Rangers, they've fallen victim to the so-called "World Series hangover." If you're not familiar with that, it's when a team who has won a World Series title the year before and then end up doing poorly the following season, missing the playoffs. It's an unfortunate category to be part of, but it's a real thing. The Rangers aren't the first team to do this, and they won't be the last. Like the old saying goes, "There's always next year."

To be fair, the Rangers had been dealing with injuries during the regular season. I wouldn't say that the injuries of several players was the main reason why this team didn't make it to the playoffs, but it's definitely one of the reasons. Also, Pitchers Max Scherzer and Jacob deGrom didn't return from their injuries until the last several weeks of the regular season. Both have previously played for the New York Mets and now they're World Series Champions. It was the second one for Scherzer, having won his first with the Washington Nationals in 2019, and deGrom's first with the Rangers. I do see both of them being in the Baseball Hall of Fame someday, especially Max. He's definitely a first ballot Hall of Famer and here's why:

•8-time All-Star

•3 Cy Young awards

•3,000+ career K's

• 2 World Series titles (Nationals in 2019 and Rangers in 2023)

• 16 seasons in Major League Baseball (will return for 17th season in 2025)

Nearly two months ago, I've seen many people on Facebook calling the Rangers "one-hit wonders." I refuse to accept that label as a Rangers fan. People who have been saying that were either bandwagon fans or just delusional. Translation: they'll never win another World Series title again. I don't see it that way. I wouldn't say never, but in the next few years. Maybe not next season, but they'll win another one eventually and more in the near future. Like I said before, it's hard to repeat as champs. For those who think they're one-hit wonders, I'll refresh your memory of how the Rangers worked hard for their first World Series title in franchise history.

This is a team that swept the Rays in the Wild Card round, swept the Orioles in the ALDS, defeating their rivals, the Houston Astros, in seven games in the ALCS, and winning against the D-Backs in five games of the World Series. Plus, they finished the Postseason with a perfect 11-0 record on the road, which is a first in Rangers history. This is the second or third story that I had to come to the Rangers' defense. The majority of players were banged up all season, so cut them a bit of slack. Also, in case you didn't know, this was the Rangers first World Series title ever. So calling them one-hit wonders is a bit of a stretch. Y'all are acting like the Rangers are the only team in MLB to not repeat as champs. The chance of accomplishing that feat is probably less than one percent.

Bruce Bochy became the sixth manager to win at least four or more World Series titles. The other three were with his time as manager of the San Francisco Giants (2010, 2012, 2014). This was the same Giants team that had the likes of Tim Lincecum, Brian Wilson, and future Hall of Famer, Buster Posey, who was recently named President of Baseball Operations of that team after his retirement in 2021. Bochy, who is 69, will return as the Rangers manager in 2025. Just like Max Scherzer, he'll definitely be in the Baseball Hall of Fame, if not, first ballot. He's definitely a legend.

One Rangers player I have to give kudos to is Wyatt Langford (pictured above). He may not have won Rookie of the Year, but he's Rookie of the Year in the hearts of Rangers fans. He had his first career cycle, something that a Rangers rookie hasn't done since the 1980s. I see him having a great future with the Rangers.

In closing, I'm hoping for a better 2025 for the Texas Rangers. There's a lot of young talent that I'm eager to see. We don't know what next season will bring, but one thing is for sure: the chemistry among the players is undeniable. They'll come back even better and stronger.