Rangers desperately need slugger to return to ALCS MVP form against in-state rival

It has been a down year for Adolis Garcia by most standards. El Bombi has hit just .233 with a .680 OPS. With just a dozen games remaining in the season, he is projected to have 19 home runs and 79 RBIs, which would be his lowest marks in both categories since his breakout campaign in 2021.

The good news is that he still has an opportunity to salvage a below-average season by reverting to his MVP form and reasserting himself as the Astro-killer he's come to be known as in the huge three-game series in Houston.

Adolis Garcia and the Rangers are chasing the Astros for the final playoff spot

If you've been to any of the Silver Boot Series games in Houston since Garcia dominated them during the 2023 regular season and American League Championship Series, then you know that the Astros fans love to boo "El Bombi." It is the ultimate sign of respect to have been so clutch and successful against such a big rival that the opposing fanbase can't stand you.

The Rangers need the Garcia that won that '23 ALCS MVP to show up as they are currently making a mad dash to catch both Houston and Seattle for the final AL wild-card spot.

The Rangers need El Bombi to be that ALCS monster

In the seven-game championship series, when the Rangers disposed of the Astros on their way to winning their first-ever World Series championship, Garcia was a monster. His hit .357 with 10 hits, 5 home runs, 15 RBIs and scored seven runs.

In the clinching game 7, he went 4-5 with 2 homers, 5 RBIs and 3 runs scored an singlehandedly delivered the Rangers into the World Series. If there was ever any doubt he'd win the award, his two homer game in the win-or-go-home Game Seven secured the MVP for him.

If the Rangers are going to continue their improbable run at the playoffs, they will need that version of Garcia to show up that was uber confident at the plate and impossible to get out.