The Texas Rangers missed the postseason in 2024 after winning the World Series in 2023, as they finished with a record of 78-84 and came in third place in the American League West.
It appears like the Rangers had a bit of a World Series hangover in 2024, although the team dealt with a couple of injuries to key players throughout the season.
The offseason saw the Rangers make some notable acquisitions, including DH Joc Pederson, infielder Jake Burger, and catcher Kyle Higashioka.
Former MLB GM Jim Bowden made a bold statement about the Rangers heading into the 2025 season.
“The Texas Rangers are the second-best team in the American League right now,” Bowden said via Foul Territory on ‘X.’
Are the Rangers the second-best team in the AL?@JimBowdenGM explains the reasoning behind his bold take and reveals what Chris Young told him about how to win in today's game. 👇 pic.twitter.com/B1p9z7ZdHU
— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) February 14, 2025
Bowden mentions the difficulties he believes the Rangers lineup will bring opposing teams, and he notes specifically the underrated move of acquiring Burger this offseason.
Burger came into the league in 2021 with the Chicago White Sox, where he played until going to the Miami Marlins during the 2023 season.
In 2024 with the Marlins, Burger played in 137 games, where he batted .250 with 29 home runs, 76 RBIs, and a .760 OPS.
Burger had the second-highest home run total, and RBI total of his career in 2024, and Bowden thinks the Rangers offense will benefit from the power-hitting infielder’s presence in the lineup.
Although the Rangers won the World Series in 2023, they haven’t won an AL West title since 2016, but they will try to change that in 2025.
It will be interesting to see how Bowden’s statement about the Rangers plays out this season and if they can prove him right.
NEXT: Rangers Announce Big Extension With Chris Young