The Texas Rangers have been surprisingly good this season, as they rank first in the AL West and 4th in all of the MLB. But climbing atop baseball's grandest stage takes more than just dominance during the regular season. So do the Rangers have what it takes to win the world series? Well, obviously, you saw the title. Here are the 7 reasons why the Rangers have what it takes to win the world series:
No. 7: A head coach with plenty of world series experience
When the Rangers signed new head coach Bruce Bochy in the offseason, they clearly wanted a coach that could win games of high stakes. Bochy won 3 world series titles with the Giants in 2010, 2012, and 2014, commanding one of baseball's greatest dynasties. He has already made immense progress with his new team and can use his experience to guide the Rangers through the playoffs. In 2010, Bochy's Giants ironically beat the Rangers.
No. 6: They've outclassed the Astros
Outplaying the defending champion Houston Astros for nearly 90 games is easier said than done. The Astros are three behind the Rangers, and they've been behind them for most of the season. But the Rangers have a much higher point differential than their state rivals, with one that is nearly 100 points greater. They also rank higher than the Astros in most major team-hitting statistics, such as OPS, OBP, and AVG. The Rangers have truly outclassed the goliath that is the Houston Astros thus far and will likely continue to do so.
No. 5: They have arguably the best offense
It's obvious why having a top-tier offense is vital for winning the world series. Crossing home plate more often than any opponent provides a significant edge. The Rangers rank first in on-base percentage, 2nd in slugging percentage, 2nd in On-base-plus-slugging, and 1st in batting Avg. The only other offense to come close to the Rangers' is the Braves, who edge out the Rangers in slugging and on-base-plus-slugging. But one of the best statistics to judge a team's offensive production is runs scored, which the Rangers rank 1st in that category. Even if the Rangers don't have the best offense, they undoubtedly have the best contact hitting. Quality contact hitting is essential, as it tires pitchers out and puts more pressure on the defense.
No. 4: They have plenty of resilience
When the Rangers signed starting pitcher Jacob Degrom in the offseason, a great deal of excitement was building, but also plenty of concern due to Degrom's injury tendencies. Those concerns proved valid, as Degrom would suffer an ulnar collateral ligament in his pitching elbow, resulting in season-ending Tommy John surgery. Uncertainty about the Rangers' season and playoff hopes emerged. But the Rangers kept the train rolling without their ace, as they proceeded to go 35-24, winning nearly 60% of their games. A team that has the resilience to play at an elite level without their ace is a team that has what it takes to win the world series.
No. 3: An Insignificant Weakness
The Rangers do have a weakness, which is their subpar bullpen. The Rangers' bullpen ranks 23rd and earns 4.48 runs per nine innings, which is not terrible but is the weakest aspect of the team. While deficient relief pitching can cause blown leads, it's the best weakness in the postseason, especially with a high-quality and efficient starting rotation. Playoff teams with lackluster bullpens have used starters for much of the relief pitching duties. For example, the 2019 Nationals had a historically awful bullpen but used starters to relieve pitch. That season, the Nationals' bullpen became the worst to win a world series. The Rangers will likely use this strategy in the playoffs, though it helps that they have a reliable and efficient starting rotation, which brings us to the next point:
No. 2: A reliable and efficient starting rotation
Despite Jacob Degrom's injury, the Rangers' starting rotation has been as reliable and efficient as ever. Nathan Eovaldi and Jon Gray have been outstanding, as both rank in the top 20 in earned run average. Eovaldi also ranks 3rd in innings pitched, proving his efficiency. Andrew Heany and Martin Perez are also solid starters, as well as Jake Odorozzi. A strong starting rotation is immensely Important for winning the World Series, especially with a bullpen that leaves a great deal to be desired.
No. 1: A staggeringly high point differential
The Rangers excel in one of the most essential team statistics. Scoring more runs than giving up is a simple yet significant asset to field a winning team. The Rangers rank 1st in this aspect, with a point differential of 159. That means they are on pace to have a point differential greater than 200 by the end of the season. Point differential is a great measure of offense and defense combined, so it's easy to see why the Rangers reign supreme in that category.
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