The Rangers season started promising but has devolved into chaos.

Since July 1, Texas is 12-22. That’s a .353 winning percentage. The Rangers have 52 games remaining. If they continue playing this .353 pace, they will win 20 more games. 

That would give them a record of 68-94. While that would be much less embarrassing than last season’s 60-102, it would be a huge disappointment, especially considering the talent they added in the off-season and the hope and hubris that brought along with it.

Disappointing but not a total surprise. The Rangers came into the season with one legitimate starter, Jon Gray, and a whole lot of question marks. Martin Perez was one of those question marks. He was slated to be their fifth starter.

Yes, they added Marcus Semien, Corey Seager, and Mitch Garver to the offense, but it hasn’t made that much of a difference.

In their miserable 102-loss 2021 season, their team batting average was .232, second-worst in baseball.  Their on-base percentage was .294, worst in baseball. And their OPS was .669, worst in baseball. 

This year, their team batting average is only a tick better at .239. Their OBP is .301. Their OPS is .696.

While their numbers are improved, and are not near the bottom of the league but in the bottom third, they’re not a whole lot better, which is what this year is turning out to be. Better but not a whole lot better.

Their next six games are against the two teams that are miles ahead of them in their division. Houston and Seattle. If the Rangers have any playoff hopes in the next few years, they have to get through a much improved Seattle and the gold standard Houston Astros. This will be a chance to see just how much better the Rangers need to be in order to be legitimate contenders.

*****