At the start of the 2023 MLB season, no one ever thought the Texas Rangers would make it to the postseason. The reason behind this was their post-performance with consecutive bottom-of-the-league finishes. But the unimaginable has happened. The Rangers have made it to the playoffs and are four wins away from their first World Series title. On the flip side, a staggering $800 million expenditure piques even the most skeptical interest.
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Notably, this is their first postseason appearance since 2016. Given their past, it is a colossal achievement and deserves all the praise. But the failure of the top three spenders in the league could not archive this. It brings another question: Has the Texas Rangers won the race with a great $800 million rebuild?
A Buildup That Finally Has Returned the Favor to Texas
Sports is a competitive affair, and there is no success without extra effort. The Texas Rangers, who once reached the pinnacle, were well aware of this as well. After seeing the lower half, they started a rebuild with a hope of a better future. They spend roughly $800 million on this cause.
Given the amount, it was a risky affair, and their 2022 finish did not justify it. But months later, the situation has changed and the Rangers are not minnows anymore. Reportedly, it all started with the change in approach. They made a few expensive signings, scouted great free agents, and signed experienced personnel to oversee this process.
The signing of Corey Seager, and Marcus Seimen on a multiyear deal shows the same. Although $185 million deGrom could not contribute much due to injury, $325 million Seager and $175 million Marcus have delivered for the Rangers. The two have ruled the offensive charts with Corey averaging 0.327 and Semien making over 180 hits, recording a WAR of around 7.0, respectively.
The Rangers also bolstered their defense with multiple signings in the pitching department. They signed Andrew Heaney and Nathan Eovaldi, spending around $60 million to support Dane Dunning and Jon Gray. The move materialized with both contributing 22 wins, helping the team make it to the playoffs. Though, amidst the good, a question also arises: Will this rebuild be enough as the Rangers take the Diamondbacks?
A Tough Arizona Diamondbacks Test Awaits Texas Rangers
It has been all good for the Rangers, thanks to their buildup. But the genuine test would be against the Diamondbacks, who are looking for another World Series title. However, given the playoffs performances, the spending of Rangers has worked and gives them an edge in this underdog battle.
Notably, Seager is averaging 0.333 with 12 runs and three home runs scored. He has also got similar support with Semien, who has improved his league stage average, continuing his hitting prowess with ten hits. Moreover, with Adolis Garcia in prime form, the Rangers look good on the offensive front.
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Written by
Edited by
Deepanshi Bajaj