The Texas Rangers have had a disappointing 17-18 start to the season and are clearly frustrated. Even though they’re only one game under .500, they made bold moves by firing offensive coordinator Donnie Ecker and placing outfielder Leody Taveras on outright waivers.
While their starting pitching has been among the league’s best, ranking top three in ERA and WHIP, their offense has severely underperformed. They sit near the bottom in several key metrics: 25th in wRC+ (85), 26th in batting average (.228), 25th in slugging percentage (.359), and 29th in runs scored (113). These offensive struggles cost Ecker his job.
Leody Taveras, once a top prospect, hasn’t developed offensively and has been off to a terrible start this season. His wRC+ is just 68, his OPS is .601, and he’s striking out 28% of the time, making him a defensive asset but a liability at the plate.
Although it’s early May, the Rangers felt compelled to act—and the Pittsburgh Pirates may need to do the same. Their season has started even worse, sitting at 12-23.
Manager Derek Shelton could be on the chopping block, as speculated in a recent Ken Rosenthal article. While Shelton doesn’t make roster decisions, the Pirates’ offense has been weak, ranking 28th in OPS (.641) and home runs (25), while also striking out at the seventh-highest rate (298).
Pitching was expected to be the team’s strength, but a 4.27 ERA ranks them 21st, with both starters and relievers underperforming overall.
Tommy Pham, the Pirates’ version of Taveras, has been even worse statistically, yet remains on the roster. His wRC+ is just 28, with a .460 OPS and nearly 28% strikeout rate—numbers well below expectations.
With the team already 11 games under .500, it’s clear changes are needed soon if the Pirates hope to salvage the season.
