When was the Last Time the Rangers Made the Playoffs MLB?
The Texas Rangers have been one of the most successful Major League Baseball (MLB) franchises over the past decade. Since 2009, the Rangers have made the playoffs six times, won four American League (AL) West titles, and appeared in two World Series. However, it’s been over two years since the Rangers last made the playoffs and the team is looking to get back to the postseason in 2020.
History of the Rangers in the Postseason
The Rangers first appeared in the MLB postseason in 1996, when they won the AL West and advanced to the American League Championship Series (ALCS), where they were swept by the New York Yankees. The Rangers made the playoffs several more times in the late 1990s and early 2000s, but they weren’t able to make it past the first round of the playoffs.
In 2010, the Rangers finally broke through and won their first AL West title since 1999. The team advanced to the World Series, where they lost to the San Francisco Giants in five games. The Rangers made the playoffs three more times in the next four seasons, including a return to the World Series in 2011.
The Rangers’ Last Playoff Appearance
The Rangers’ last appearance in the playoffs came in 2016, when they won the AL West for the fourth time in six years. The team advanced to the Division Series, where they were eliminated by the Toronto Blue Jays in three games. Since then, the Rangers have failed to make the playoffs in each of the past three seasons.
Changes in the AL West Since 2016
Since the Rangers’ last playoff appearance in 2016, the AL West has seen some significant changes. The Houston Astros, who had been the worst team in the division since 2011, have since become one of the best teams in MLB. The Astros won the AL West in 2017 and 2018 and made the World Series in both years, winning the title in 2017.
The Los Angeles Angels, who had been the Rangers’ biggest rivals in the AL West, have also seen an improvement in recent years. The Angels have made the playoffs three times since 2016, and they won the AL West in 2019.
Rangers’ Struggles Since 2016
The Rangers have struggled since their last playoff appearance in 2016. The team has had three consecutive losing seasons, with their record in 2019 being the worst since 1985. The Rangers have also failed to make any significant moves in free agency or trades in recent years, with the team’s biggest acquisition in the past two years being All-Star third baseman Todd Frazier in 2018.
Key Players in the Rangers’ 2020 Roster
The Rangers’ roster has seen some significant changes since the team’s last playoff appearance in 2016. The team’s core players in 2020 include:
- 3B Todd Frazier: Frazier is a three-time All-Star and a two-time Silver Slugger winner. He is coming off a solid 2019 season in which he hit .251 with 25 home runs and 87 RBIs.
- OF Nomar Mazara: Mazara is a two-time All-Star who has hit 20 or more home runs in each of the past four seasons. He is coming off a 2019 campaign in which he hit .268 with 25 home runs and 87 RBIs.
- SP Mike Minor: Minor is a two-time All-Star and was the Rangers’ most consistent pitcher in 2019. He led the team with 15 wins and posted a 3.59 ERA in 31 starts.
- RP Jose Leclerc: Leclerc is coming off a breakout 2019 season in which he recorded a 2.09 ERA and 16 saves in 70 appearances.
Rangers’ Chances of Making the Playoffs in 2020
The Rangers have a solid core of players and a good mix of veterans and young talent. However, the team is in a tough division and will have to compete with the Astros and Angels for a playoff spot. The Rangers also have a new manager in Chris Woodward, who is entering his first full season with the team.
It is too early to tell if the Rangers will make the playoffs in 2020, but the team does have a good chance to at least be a contender in the AL West. The team’s success will likely depend on the performances of their key players, as well as the guidance of their new manager.
Conclusion
The Rangers last made the playoffs in 2016 and have not been back since. The team has had three consecutive losing seasons and has failed to make any significant moves in free agency or trades in recent years. The AL West has also become much more competitive since the Rangers’ last playoff appearance, with the Astros and Angels emerging as the top teams in the division.
The Rangers have a solid core of players and a good mix of veterans and young talent. The team’s success in 2020 will likely depend on the performances of key players like Todd Frazier and Mike Minor, as well as the guidance of new manager Chris Woodward. Only time will tell if the Rangers can make the playoffs in 2020, but the team does have a good chance to at least be a contender in the AL West.