The Texas Rangers are celebrating their return to the postseason after clinching a playoff berth with a 6-1 victory over the Seattle Mariners. While the Mariners initially delayed the Rangers’ playoff hopes by winning the first two games of the series, Texas sealed their spot with an impressive win. Joining the Baltimore Orioles, Tampa Bay Rays, and Minnesota Twins, the Rangers are now one of four American League teams to secure a playoff ticket.
The Rangers now have their sights set on the coveted AL West title, which they can clinch if the Houston Astros suffer a loss later today. If the Astros emerge victorious in their game against the Arizona Diamondbacks, the fate of the AL West will be determined on the final day of the season. Winning the division title is crucial for the Rangers, as it grants them the No. 2 seed in the American League. This means they will have the opportunity to rest until Saturday, skip the Wild Card Series, and host the first two ALDS games, as well as a potential Game 5.
For the Rangers, this marks their first division championship since 2016, signaling a significant change within the organization. The team has become aggressive spenders in recent years, making notable signings such as Corey Seager, Marcus Semien, and Jacob deGrom. They also made key moves at the trade deadline, acquiring starting pitchers Max Scherzer and Jordan Montgomery. While Scherzer suffered an injury that ended his regular season prematurely, he is working hard to recover in time for the postseason.
It is worth mentioning that this season is also the debut for skipper Bruce Bochy, who came out of retirement to manage the Rangers. Bochy is believed to be one of the highest-paid managers in the sport, with a reported salary of around $6 million. With their investments in both players and coaching staff, the Rangers have positioned themselves for success and will now reap the rewards with a well-deserved spot in October baseball.
Whether they secure the division champ title or enter as a wild card, the Rangers will indeed be competing in the postseason. Sunday’s game will determine which path they take, but either way, the team is thrilled to be back in the playoff contention after a five-year absence. With their strong performance in recent games and their commitment to building a competitive roster, the Texas Rangers are ready to make their mark in the postseason and vie for a World Series championship.
