CLEVELAND — It’s still too soon to strategize how the Texas Rangers should handle a September that won’t impact their postseason hopes. Discussing a comeback plan at this stage is also a bit premature.
So let’s shift the focus to baseball cards for now.
“I think as a team, it is what it is at this point,” closer Kirby Yates said Saturday before the Rangers’ game against the Cleveland Guardians. “But individually, look, you have baseball cards and your stats end up on the back of those cards.”
Yates elaborated further.
“If you’ve had a good year and then you ease off in September, you might face difficulties and not finish the season as you hoped,” Yates said. “On the other hand, a great September can significantly change the perception of your season.”
The Rangers would love to make such a turnaround, though it’s likely too late. With a less than one percent chance of reaching the postseason, according to FanGraphs, they began Saturday’s game nine games behind in the American League West.
“It is what it is,” as Yates said, but there’s still potential for individuals to make a strong impression through the end of the season.
“Let’s face it,” said Rangers manager Bruce Bochy. “It’s important for these guys to look at themselves too. A strong finish can make up for earlier struggles.”
Here’s how some players can benefit from a strong final stretch:
**Josh Jung:** Jung can’t make up for the games he missed, but he can still make the most of the remaining time. After fracturing his wrist early in the season and missing significant time, Jung has only played 148 games over the past two years. A strong September could help him build momentum for a healthy and productive 2025.
Wyatt LangfordLangford, who has struggled this season with a .242/.310/.366 line, is aware of his subpar performance compared to his expectations. A strong finish could provide a positive note to build on for the offseason.
Jonah Heim Heim’s performance has been disappointing, with his statistics in decline across the board. His struggles, including a sharp drop in defensive metrics, have led to a reduced role. A strong finish could help him address some concerns heading into the offseason.
Kirby Yates: Yates has been one of the Rangers’ bright spots, performing at a high level this season with a 1.28 ERA and 23 saves. As he approaches free agency, continuing his strong performance is crucial. As Yates put it, “Everybody remembers how you finish. Not a whole lot of people remember how you start.”
The Rangers can only hope that these individual efforts contribute positively as the season draws to a close.
The Rangers would certainly like to, but it may be too late. With less than a one percent chance of making the postseason, according to FanGraphs, they started Saturday’s game nine games back in the American League West.
As the experienced closer noted, the situation is what it is. However, it’s also about what it can become — or continue to be — on an individual level as the season progresses.
“Let’s be honest,” Rangers manager Bruce Bochy said. “While you’re always playing for the team, it’s also crucial for these players to focus on their own performance. Strong finishes can help overshadow earlier struggles.”
Here’s who could gain from a strong finish to the regular season.
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