2022 elimination means Texas Rangers’ build-up to 2023 has officially begun

The Texas Rangers will not be playing postseason baseball in 2022. This fate has been understood for months, but now it’s realized: 2016 remains the last time the Rangers played a game after the conclusion of the regular season.

And there shouldn’t be a single soul surprised at this outcome.

Texas Rangers officially eliminated from postseason contention in 2022

Coming into the season, the Texas Rangers (rightfully) had higher expectations after a spending spree that saw them acquire Corey Seager, Marcus Semien, Jon Gray and Kole Calhoun. They were followed by Martin Perez, Mitch Garver and Brad Miller after a lockout wiped out a large chunk of the off-season. But money can only solve so many problems, especially on a roster still brimming with… flaws. The attempt was made, though, and valiantly.

Ultimately, another year of subpar pitching (generally speaking) and an abysmal record in one-run contests (17-34) did the Rangers in. That record in one-run games is particularly frustrating, because even if they had a .500 record in those situations, Texas might still be finding themselves in the hunt for an AL Wild Card spot. In reality, improvement on a 100-loss 2021 season was paramount, and that at least was achieved.

The book has closed on 2022, effectively, but that just gives us a reason to look ahead to 2023, a year which the Rangers have targeted for a return to contention. The process of building up for what should be one of the most anticipated Rangers seasons in recent memory starts now.

Josh Jung, the team’s top overall prospect, is already proving his worth at the highest level. Right behind him is an impressive trove of prospects led by pitchers Jack Leiter and Kumar Rocker, and with Owen White, Brock Porter, Evan Carter, Aaron Zavala and others not far behind.

At the big league level, a lineup core comprising of Marcus Semien, Corey Seager, Nathaniel Lowe, Adolis Garcia and Jonah Heim is beginning to take form. Jon Gray and Martin Perez are the mid-rotation lynchpins that every starting staff needs, while Brock Burke and Jonathan Hernandez will begin 2023 as high-leverage bullpen options. Again, you can see the beginning of a sustainable core.

Now, a front office led by Chris Young will need to ensure proper reinforcements arrive in Arlington this winter. If he’s successful, the outlook will be good for the 2023 Texas Rangers.

There’s no more room for error with the trajectory of this organization in the near future. The time has come, and the Texas Rangers need to be ready to deliver a playoff season for its fans in 2023.