Rangers need Big Three to get going to make playoff push

After winning their first World Series championship in franchise history last fall, the Texas Rangers have been disappointing in 2024, falling way short of expectations so far. 

Offensively, the Rangers were a juggernaut in 2023. They led the league in runs, batting average and home runs, as well as the other slash line stats. Their pitching was good enough to keep them in games and allow their hitters to carry them.

Things have not gone near as well at the plate in 2024, and just about everyone is to blame. Marcus Semien is hitting 32 points lower in the first half than he did for the year last season. He's on pace for 28 extra-base hits, far below the 73 he had only a year ago. His overall slash line pales in comparison to what it was after last year. 

Corey Seager is just as bad, if not worse. He's hitting 72 points lower and has just 21 extra-base hits compared to 75 last year. He's missed some time with some injuries, but has still played in 69 of the teams 80 games to date. 

It is much the same with Adolis Garcia. He's hitting 27 points under what he did last year. He has 25 extra-base hits, down from 68 last year. Combined, these three players banged out 101 home runs in 2024. This season, they are on pace for 78. 

They aren't the only ones. Ezequiel Duran, who played a key utility role a year ago, was optioned to the minors on Wednesday. Nathaniel Lowe is on pace for six home runs after hitting 17 a year ago. Evan Carter, who played such a key role in September and the playoffs, was awful before hit the IL with back issues. 

Yet, not all hope is lost. They are in a group of eight teams in the mix to battle it out for the last two wild-card spots, assuming the Yankees or Orioles will get one wild card. That leaves the Red Sox, Royals, Twins, Astros, Rangers, Rays, Blue Jays and Tigers to be in the hunt. The first three teams are pretty much tied right now, with the rest of the group lurking but having some work to do. 

The good news is Max Scherzer returned and pitched very well in his season debut, blanking the Royals over five innings. The Big Three - Semien, Seager and Garcia - have plenty of time to get back on track. Look for one, two or all three get hot in the second half. 

If those three can turn it around, Scherzer can stay healthy and productive and Jacob DeGrom can return to the rotation soon and be effective, there is no reason the Rangers can't climb back into the wild-card race. All of the teams they are competing against have their fair share of weaknesses, so a red hot Rangers team will put pressure on all them.

The first half of 2024 has not gone according to plan, but there is a lot of room for improvement, especially from their star players. With a full half season left to go, don't be surprised if the Rangers can play themselves right back into the playoffs, where no one will want to face them if they are hot.