Wyatt Langford’s Season-Ending Injury Leaves Rangers Looking Ahead
The Texas Rangers, once hopeful contenders, find themselves on the outside looking in after a disappointing finish to the season. Following a loss that marked their eighth straight defeat, the Rangers have officially been eliminated from playoff contention. This year’s struggles continue a trend, as they have now missed the postseason for two consecutive seasons after their triumphant 2023 World Series victory.
Injury Hits at a Crucial Time
Compounding the challenges, the Rangers will finish the season without one of their brightest stars. Wyatt Langford has been placed on the injured list with a strained left oblique, a setback that further diminishes the team’s already slim chances of closing the year on a high note. With the final games against the Minnesota Twins and Cleveland Guardians on the horizon, the Rangers are now faced with the daunting task of overcoming an eight-game losing streak without Langford’s contributions.
Langford’s injury means there’s little incentive to rush him back onto the field. With the Rangers out of the postseason picture, the focus shifts to ensuring he is fully prepared for the 2024 season.
A Breakout Season Cut Short
This season, despite the team’s overall struggles, Langford was a shining beacon of hope. He played in 134 games, matching his rookie year appearance, but made significant strides in virtually every statistical category. He finished the year with career highs in home runs (22), stolen bases (22), walks (74), OPS (.775), and OPS+ (126). His performance translated to a 5.4 bWAR, a notable increase from the 3.9 he posted during the same number of games last year.
The metrics tell a story of development and potential. According to Baseball Savant, Langford’s hard-hit rate improved from 43.3% to 48.4%, placing him in the 82nd percentile of hitters. His barrel rate also jumped from 9.3% to 14%, indicating his ability to make solid contact. Furthermore, he became more selective at the plate, reducing his chase rate and increasing his walk rate by 3.7%. With the anticipated introduction of the automatic ball-strike challenge system in 2026, Langford’s evolution might continue to accelerate, setting the stage for a potential breakout into superstardom next season.
Roster Adjustments Amidst Challenges
In light of Langford’s injury, the Rangers made additional roster moves to bolster their lineup. Outfielder Sam Haggerty has been transferred to the 60-day injured list, allowing the team to call up veteran outfielder Billy McKinney. McKinney, who boasts an OPS of .667 and 34 career home runs, last donned a Rangers uniform in July of this year.
As the Rangers gear up for their final games, the emphasis remains on closing out the season with a sense of purpose, despite the hurdles they face. The focus will undoubtedly shift towards the future, with hopes that a healthier and stronger lineup will emerge ready to compete in the 2024 season.
