Ahead of the start of this season, the Texas Rangers were touted as contenders for the title race. The 2023 champions ignited a spark with their run last season as fans began to hope for glory again. But breaking hearts, they are going through an awful start to their campaign due to a lackluster offense and wasteful pitching performances. 

Now, the Rangers’ struggles have reached the boiling point as they find themselves amid intense scrutiny. That’s probably justified, too, given they boast one of the best pitching staffs in the league. 

This time, renowned MLB columnist Bob Nightengale has made a tongue-in-cheek comment on the Texas Rangers’ woes in his recent publication for USA Today. “Has anyone seen the Texas Rangers’ offense? Anyone? It’s as if they swapped uniforms with the Mariners from a year ago.” He compared the team’s offensive troubles to those of the Seattle Mariners in 2024. Despite a star-studded pitching staff, the Rangers have only garnered a dismal rotation yielding of 2.93 ERA, their lowest through 33 games in franchise history since 1990! 

In 21 games this season, the Arlington-based club has only scored three or fewer runs. Shockingly, the Dallas team has only managed a single homer in their last 8 games, a stat even amateurs would nitpick at. According to Nightengale, the only face-saver for the Rangers has been Tyler Mahle, going at 3-1 with a 1.19 ERA. 

And in this new wave of critics, Manager Bruce Bochy has been at the focal point, with pundits questioning his inability to adapt. He now has his task cut out to reignite the offense, which looks out of sorts in every possible way. The fact that lesser teams have shown great results with limited resources at hand does not augur well for the Rangers manager as the team continues to squander their advantages from winning positions.

From champs to chumps: What’s cooking for the Rangers?

Patience is wearing thin in the Lone Star State. In the aftermath of their woeful start to the season, the authorities have signaled a massive shake-up. One of the lynchpins during their successful championship campaign in 2023, Rangers’ hitting coach Donnie Ecker faced the axe on Sunday. Ending his tenure with the franchise, multiple outlets reported that Texas had placed outfielder Leody Taveras on outright waivers. 

Now, the other members in the coaching staff seem to be in borrowed time with the team’s recent 8-1 win over the Seattle Mariners. Because despite the win, the Rangers languish in the 25th spot in the league standings with only a batting average of .228 and a .359 slugging percentage. 

“After lengthy discussions and deliberations, we feel now is the appropriate time to provide our hitters with a new voice as we pursue goals of winning the division,” said Team President Chris Young, as reported by the New York Times. 

Sacking Ecker is being seen as a case of low-hanging fruit.

Apparently, their issues lie much deeper, given the underperforming players in the lineup, namely Marcus Semien and Adolis Garcia. Then there are new signings like Joc Pederson and Jake Burger, who have been struggling to find their feet. With only a .190 average and a .561 OPS to his name, Burger was offered to their Triple-A affiliate, the Round Rock Express. So, to infuse fresh legs and energy in the camp, the Rangers called in baseman Blaine Crim.

Still, the woes continue for them as catcher Kyle Higashioka was placed on a 10-day IL as he suffered a mild left intercostal strain. Then, right-handed pitcher Caleb Boushley was called in from Triple-A as his replacement.

So, with such radical changes announced, all eyes will be on the manager and players on how they move ahead in the season in the AL West Division. Do you think they will be able to turn things around?