Rangers offensive struggles emphasized by absence in one of biggest awards of season

As FanSided and Louisville Slugger officially unveiled the nominees for each American League Silver Slugger, one team name was rightfully absent from that announcement.

For the time since 2021, zero Texas Rangers were even considered as a finalist for their respctive Silver Slugger Award. Clearly showcasing just how consistently well-rounded the roster was at failing to hit.

It is definitely not a shock to any media member who covered the team this season or any Ranger fan with any sort of rooting interest and common sense. They simply did not play to the caliber of getting close to recognition and it is hopefully a stark wake up call next year.

Zero Silver Slugger nominees should scare Rangers straight heading in next year

A lot of work needs to be done to revamp an offense that has been cruise controlling at 5 mph the last two seasons. That includes a massive change of philosophy in their approach to hitting, which is something fans hope new manager Skip Schumaker and his coaching staff will have on the top of the priority list.

In 2025, the Rangers finished the year with the fifth-worst battinge average (.234), OBP (.302), slugging percentage (.379) and OPS (.655) They also scored the ninth-fewest runs (684) and hit just 175 home runs. For reference of the decline, Texas was in the top five of all those categories two years ago.

Offense is a key pillar to success and has long been one of the biggest strengths of the franchise. Dating back to the inaugural Silver Slugger in 1980, the Rangers have won 27 of them, fourth-most in MLB history.

This season though, they just looked lost at the plate, including but not limited to, struggles showing a lack of patience and swinging at pitches well outside the zone. Their struggles caused former hitting coach Donnie Ecker his job in May, replaced by Bret Boone. Part of Boone's philosophy was attempting to simplify the approach at the plate. It was a bit successful as the second half saw better production but it wasn't consistent enough to get the job done.

It should all be a major warning to every player in that locker room. Changes are coming. That might mean the departure of a few fan favorites, it could mean trying out the younger guys more or it could simply be further change in leadership and mindset.