Just two seasons ago, the Texas Rangers lost 102 games, their most losses in a season since 1973. With no top prospects, the future was not looking bright. Two years later, the Texas Rangers are in the playoffs for the first time since 2016, and will be playing in their first World Series since 2011.
After the 2021 season, the Rangers spent 561.2 million on free agents, the most off all time. This was headlined by signing All Star Shortstop Corey Seager for 325 million and Second Basemen Marcus for 175 million. This cementend the Rangers middle infield for the next decade. In 2022, the Rangers saw improvement, but still lost 94 games. There was an obvious flaw to the team, pitching. So, what did they do? They spent over 250 million on pitchers.
The Rangers gave Jacob DeGrom 185 million, Nathan Eovaldi 35 million, and Andrew Heaney 25 million. This solidified the starting rotation and the Rangers were optimistic about their 2023 season. Those expectations were met. During the 2023 season, before the trade deadline, the Rangers bolstered their pitching again. They acquired future hall of famer Max Scherzer from the Mets, and lefty Jordan Montgomery from the Cardinals. Both would be valuable down the stretch of the season.
The Rangers were able to go 90-72, finishing second in their division. This significant turn around showed that spending big money in free agency could pay off. In two seasons, the Rangers had a 30 win difference. But, because they finished second in their division, they would be forced to go on the road to begin the playoffs. That was no problem as the Rangers swept the Tampa Bay Rays and would advance to the ALDS.
The 101-win Baltimore Orioles were the team waiting for them. In a massive upset, the Rangers were able to also sweep this series which would set up a Texas-only matchup between the Rangers and the Houston Astros. This series was not a sweep, in fact, it went the distance. It took all seven games for the Rangers to knock off the Astros to advance to the World Series.
All of the players that they invested in performed when it was needed most. In the postseason, Corey Seager is batting .333, which leads the team, and has driven in six runs. The pitching is what has carried them the most. Jordan Montgomery and Nathon Eovoldi have been a one-two punch all postseason long. Max Scherzer was able to recover from a shoulder injury and was able to deliver four strong innings in game seven against the Astros.
No one anticipated the Rangers to be this good this quickly. It typically takes at least five years to turn around a team to the extent that the Rangers are performing at. This year, the Rangers will be looking to win the World Series for the first time in their history. In both appearances in the World Series, the Rangers have fallen both times. The Rangers will have everyone rested as the World Series does not start until Friday night. Lastly, the Rangers have shown the baseball world that spending money wisely, is still a great way to build a contender for years to come.
