Even the Rangers' expected win-loss record adds to this year's frustrations

The 2025 Texas Rangers have been a utterly frustrating team to watch. From the Opening Day walk-off loss to the offensive struggles and bullpen blow ups, everything should have fans counting down until the final out of Game 162.

When spring training began the expectations were high. On paper the offense looked lethal while the pitching staff had potential but looked too injury prone to truly rely on. Many expected the Rangers to be serious contenders for a championship despite their flaws.

Now in August, the Rangers are in third place in the AL West at 61-63, 8 games back of the Houston Astros and still on the outside looking in of an American League playoff spot. To make matters worse their expected numbers showcase just how good they should've been.

Rangers' expected win-loss record should have them on top of AL West

Entering Friday's opening gmae of a three-game set against the Toronto Blue Jays, the Rangers are at an even .500 with less than 40 games to play. However, this weekend could have easily been a battle of two of the best teams in Major League Baseball.

If things were going well for Texas, they would be 67-57, 10 games over .500 and leading the AL West by a handful of games. Their +44 run differential should also be good for fifth-best in the league.

So what has gone wrong for the Rangers in 2025 to be in this position?

Late-inning bullpen collapses

Usually a handful of things go wrong for a team wildly underperforming expectations. And those are exactly what has plagued the Rangers this season.

First it starts with late-inning collapses from the bullpen. The Rangers' offense of course is not scoring much so always have relievers come in during a one or two run game does add extra stress but erasing a lead late will only hurt a struggling offense more.

When you look at bullpen loses this season, Texas is second-worst in MLB with 30 losses credited to relievers. That simply can't happen but especially not if the offense isn't producing enough runs. We saw it again on Friday in Toronto, up 3-0 Blue Jays cut it to 3-2, then Semien homered and the bullpen lost the game for Texas 6-5.

Lack of comeback wins

This brings us to our second point, the lack of comebacks on the Rangers' record this season. When trailing after the 6th, 7th or 8th innings, you can't underperform and expect to win.

The Rangers have played in 41 one-run games this season and find themselves 17-24. Let's also mention that Texas only has 18 comeback wins this season, which is one of the worst in Major League Baseball.

Lack of hitting with RISP

One of the biggest negativities of the 2025 Texas Rangers is their inability to capitalize with runners in scoring position (RISP). It has gotten the offense into situations that can't be rebounded from.

Entering Saturday's middle game of the Toronto series, Texas is hitting just .236 with RISP, which is seventh-worst in the league. They are also sixth-worst in runs scored in those situations.