Five Reasons Texas Rangers Will Repeat As World Series Champions

The Texas Rangers didn't win their division, barely made the playoffs, and spent the majority of their World Series title run on the road. A repeat could have an easier road.

The Texas Rangers' first World Series championship was a moment many long-time fans had resigned themselves to never experiencing.

After a glorious month-long ride through the postseason, the club earned the right to hoist the Commissioner's Trophy for the very first time, and fans rejoiced.

You never forget your first, they say. That'll certainly be the case around Arlington for years to come. But what about 2024? 

The Rangers' title-defending season will include some carryover from the 2023 championship, including an Opening Day ring ceremony and hosting the All-Star Game.

Another championship run by the Rangers would be gravy for many content fans. Ownership and general manager Chris Young, however, have stated goals of fielding an even better team in 2024. That might not necessarily translate into another World Series title, but the club believes it can improve upon its 90 wins and win an outright American League West title.

That should happen. And the Rangers should find themselves with an easier road back to the World Series in 2024.

The stars must align in certain ways, of course, injuries must be palatable, and the expected production must be received from the team's stalwarts.

It has been 23 seasons since a team won back-to-back titles. It has been long enough.

Five Reasons Texas Rangers Will Repeat As World Series Champions

Breaking down why the Texas Rangers will defend their World Series title:

It's About Time

Not since the New York Yankees in 2000 has a team won consecutive World Series titles. It's bound to happen again. Why not in 2024? Why not for the Rangers?

This reasoning is more about the postseason and less about how good the club looks throughout the regular season, although it's highly likely the Rangers will win more than 90 games in 2024.

The Rangers did it the tough way in 2023, as a wild card team and playing the AL Wild Card, ALDS and ALCS at the lower seed. Even with home-field advantage in the World Series, the Rangers still ended up playing more games at the Arizona Diamondbacks than in Arlington because they won the series in five games.

Full Season With Evan Carter

Look, it's not that we expect Evan Carter to continue the unreal pace he started his MLB career with, including the ice-in-his-veins postseason production.

But consider having his bat in the Rangers' already potent lineup for 162 games? Consider his outfield range in left field (or in center, perhaps) every day. The Rangers have yet to be blessed with having Carter in their lineup for an entire season. Whether he's batting leadoff, third, or fifth, he instantly deepens the lineup and becomes another major obstacle for opposing pitchers. 

Bruce Bochy

Manager Bruce Bochy proved just how valuable an experienced, respected manager can be while guiding the Rangers pitching staff and bullpen through a precarious postseason. Only three managers have won more than Bochy's four World Series titles.

He won three with the San Francisco Giants, of course, in 2010, 2012 and 2014. One thing he never pulled off? Winning consecutive titles. If he can help lead Texas to another title in 2024, they'll cancel his future Hall of Fame vote and induct him immediately by executive order.

Second-Half Pitching Rotation

If Texas can reach the postseason again, and most of us would be shocked if it didn't, they could enter the playoffs flush with a deep, overhauled and enhanced rotation featuring a healthy Jacob deGrom, Max Scherzer and Tyler Mahle, all of which are scheduled to return from surgery by June or July.

Yes, the Rangers will have to make it through April, May and June without them. However, if Nathan Eovaldi, Jon Gray, Dane Dunning and others can hold it down for three months, the cavalry is coming in the summer. 

Seager and Semien

Last, but not least, the core of champions remains intact. Corey Seager and Marcus Semien, who finished second and third in AL MVP voting, are in the prime of their careers. It's not only their immense production on the field but their leadership in the clubhouse. The perennial All-Stars are immeasurable guides for young, up-and-coming players hoping to break into the lineup. Seager and Semien may have different rituals and routines, but both styles helped capture a championship.

With Seager and Semien at the top of the order, the Rangers have more than a puncher's chance to advance through another wild card or ALDS. And as we saw again in 2023, Seager can put an entire team on his back in the playoffs.

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You can follow Stefan Stevenson on X @StefanVersusTex.

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