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===Texas Rangers (1972–present)=== ====Naming of the Rangers==== After moving from Washington, the Senators were renamed after the [[Texas Ranger Division|Texas Rangers]], the [[State bureau of investigation|state-wide investigative law-enforcement agency]] which was founded by [[Stephen F. Austin]] in 1823 when Texas was part of Mexico,<ref name="SFAustin">{{cite news|url=https://www.texasranger.org/texas-ranger-museum/hall-of-fame/stephen-f-austin/|title=Stephen F. Austin: 1793 – 1836|publisher=[[Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum]]|access-date=September 8, 2020|archive-date=January 2, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210102185715/https://www.texasranger.org/texas-ranger-museum/hall-of-fame/stephen-f-austin/|url-status=live}}</ref> and whose mythology led to fictional characters such as [[The Lone Ranger]] and [[Walker, Texas Ranger]]. But the Rangers also had bouts as [[vigilante]] squads, when they abused their authority,<ref>Harris, Charles H. III & Sadler, Louis R., ''The Texas Rangers And The Mexican Revolution: The Bloodiest Decade, 1910–1920''.</ref> including by lynching [[Hispanics]].<ref name="NYT-rangerlynch">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/03/02/us/porvenir-massacre-texas-mexicans.html|last=Romero|first=Simon|title=Lynch Mobs Killed Latinos Across the West. The Fight to Remember These Atrocities is Just Starting.|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]|date=March 2, 2019|access-date=September 8, 2020|archive-date=January 2, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210102185743/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/03/02/us/porvenir-massacre-texas-mexicans.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="TxMonthly-rangerlynch">{{cite news|url=https://www.texasmonthly.com/the-culture/anti-mexican-violence-in-texas/|last=Blanton|first=Carlos Kevin|title=The Secret History of Anti-Mexican Violence in Texas.|publisher=[[Texas Monthly]]|date=October 2018|access-date=September 8, 2020|archive-date=January 2, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210102185722/https://www.texasmonthly.com/the-culture/anti-mexican-violence-in-texas/|url-status=live}}</ref> In the wake of the 2020 [[United States racial unrest (2020–2023)|Black Lives Matter protests]], prominent mainstream voices have shined a light on the historical racism associated with the law-enforcement agency and called for the baseball team to abandon the Rangers name.<ref name="WP-rangerlynch">{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2020/07/13/texas-rangers-team-name-must-go/|last=Attiah|first=Karen|title=The Texas Rangers' team name must go|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|date=July 13, 2020|access-date=September 8, 2020|archive-date=January 2, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210102185845/https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2020/07/13/texas-rangers-team-name-must-go/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="CC-rangerlynch">{{cite news|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/columns/steve-chapman/ct-column-texas-rangers-brutality-statue-chapman-20200617-bani5arbkfh67onjd6a6mdl36m-story.html|last=Chapman|first=Steve|title=MLB's Texas Rangers should give up their name, which honors police force with brutal, racist history|newspaper=[[Chicago Tribune]]|date=June 17, 2020|access-date=September 8, 2020|archive-date=January 2, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210102185731/https://www.chicagotribune.com/columns/steve-chapman/ct-column-texas-rangers-brutality-statue-chapman-20200617-bani5arbkfh67onjd6a6mdl36m-story.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="TT-rangerlynch">{{cite news|url=https://www.texastribune.org/2020/08/15/texas-rangers-racist-violent-history/|last=Venkataramanan|first=Meena|title=The Texas Rangers' lore spurred cultural fawning and sports namesakes that have long masked a history of violence and racism|newspaper=[[The Texas Tribune]]|date=August 15, 2020|access-date=September 8, 2020|archive-date=January 2, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210102185751/https://www.texastribune.org/2020/08/15/texas-rangers-racist-violent-history/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Newsweek-rangerlynch">{{cite news|url=https://www.newsweek.com/calls-surface-texas-rangers-name-removed-law-enforcement-agency-baseball-team-over-past-1525401|last=Czachor|first=Emily|title=Calls Emerge for 'Texas Rangers' Name to Be Removed From Law Enforcement Agency and Baseball Team Over Past Racism, Violence|publisher=[[Newsweek]]|date=August 16, 2020|access-date=September 8, 2020|archive-date=January 2, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210102185723/https://www.newsweek.com/calls-surface-texas-rangers-name-removed-law-enforcement-agency-baseball-team-over-past-1525401|url-status=live}}</ref> The baseball team responded by committing to keeping the Rangers name. The team subsequently made a statement clarifying that despite sharing the name, they are not affiliated with the law-enforcement agency and they stand for equality by "condemn[ing] racism, bigotry and discrimination in all forms."<ref name="NBCDFW-rangerlynch">{{cite news|url=https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/sports/red-fever/despite-calls-to-change-name-the-texas-rangers-will-still-be-the-texas-rangers/2392271/|title=Despite Calls to Change Name, the Texas Rangers Will Still Be the Texas Rangers|publisher=NBC DFW|date=June 19, 2020|access-date=September 8, 2020|archive-date=January 2, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210102185726/https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/sports/red-fever/despite-calls-to-change-name-the-texas-rangers-will-still-be-the-texas-rangers/2392271/|url-status=live}}</ref> ====First years in Texas (1972–1984)==== {{unsourced section|date=May 2025}} [[File:Arlington Stadium 1988.jpg|thumb|upright|[[Arlington Stadium]], home ballpark from 1972 to 1993]] Prior to the [[1972 Major League Baseball season|1972 season]], improvements were made to Turnpike Stadium, which reopened as [[Arlington Stadium]], in preparation for the inaugural season of the Texas Rangers. The team played its first game on April 15, 1972, a 1–0 loss at the hands of the [[California Angels]], their 1961 expansion cousins. The next day, the Rangers defeated the Angels, 5–1, for the club's first victory. [[File:Jim Sundberg 1974.jpg|thumb|left|upright|[[Jim Sundberg]], catcher during 1974–1983 and 1988–1989]] In 1974, the Rangers experienced their first winning season after finishing last in both 1972 and 1973. Under the ownership of [[Brad Corbett]], they finished second in the American League West with an 84–76 record, behind the eventual [[World Series]] champion [[Oakland Athletics]]. The [[1974 Texas Rangers season|1974 Rangers]] are still the only MLB team to finish above .500 after two consecutive 100-loss seasons. [[Mike Hargrove]] was awarded [[American League Rookie of the Year]], [[Billy Martin]] was named [[AL Manager of the Year]], [[Jeff Burroughs]] won [[AL MVP]], and [[Ferguson Jenkins]] was named the [[Sporting News Comeback Player of the Year Award|Comeback Player of the Year]] after winning 25 games, a club record to this day. The team posted winning records again from 1977 to 1979 but fell short of reaching the playoffs. The Rangers came very close to clinching a playoff spot in 1981, but wound up losing the first half of the AL West by one-and-a-half games to Oakland at the time of the [[1981 Major League Baseball strike|players' strike]]. Texas went on to finish under .500 each season through 1985. The Rangers faced an attendance problem for a few years in Texas, due in part to both the team's inconsistent performance and the oppressive heat and humidity that can encompass the area in the summer. Until the [[Florida Marlins]] arrived in 1993, Arlington Stadium was often the hottest stadium in the majors, with temperatures frequently topping {{convert|100|F|C}} throughout the summer. So the Rangers began playing most of their weekend games between May and September at night, a tradition that continued for years. ====Valentine, Ryan, and Bush (1985–1994)==== [[File:President George H. W. Bush, George W. Bush, and Joe Morgan.jpg|thumb|[[George H. W. Bush]] with son [[George W. Bush]] (future president, Rangers owner from 1989 to 1994) and [[Joe Morgan]], 1991]] Manager [[Bobby Valentine]] became steward over an influx of talent in the late 1980s and early 1990s. A winning season in 1986 was a shock to pundits and fans alike as the Rangers remained in the race for the American League pennant for the entire season. With a team consisting of stellar young rookies such as [[Rubén Sierra]], [[Pete Incaviglia]], [[Mitch Williams (baseball)|Mitch Williams]], [[Bobby Witt]], and [[Edwin Correa]], the Rangers finished the season in second place with an 87–75 record, just five games behind the division champion Angels. The season marked a dramatic 25-win improvement over the 1985 season, which resulted in yet another last place finish in the West.{{citation needed|date=May 2025}} [[File:Nolan Ryan Tiger Stadium 1990 CROP.jpg|left|thumb|upright|[[Nolan Ryan]], Rangers pitcher from 1989 to 1993]] The signing of 41-year-old star pitcher [[Nolan Ryan]] prior to the 1989 season allowed Ryan to reach his 5,000th [[strikeout]], 300th [[Win (baseball)|win]], and 6th and 7th [[no-hitter]]s with the Rangers. Despite powerful lineups including [[Juan González (baseball)|Juan González]], Rubén Sierra, [[Julio Franco]], and [[Rafael Palmeiro]] and a pitching staff that also included [[Charlie Hough]], Bobby Witt, [[Kevin Brown (right-handed pitcher)|Kevin Brown]], and [[Kenny Rogers (baseball)|Kenny Rogers]], Valentine's Rangers never finished above second place and he was relieved of his duties during the 1992 season.{{citation needed|date=May 2025}} In April 1989, Rangers owner and oil tycoon [[Eddie Chiles]], sold the team to an investment group headed by [[George W. Bush]] for $89 million.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1988-08-27-sp-855-story.html|title=Los Angeles Times: "Chiles Reaches Agreement on Sale of Rangers"|date=27 August 1988 |access-date=9 May 2025}}</ref> While his own equity in the team was a small one ($500,000), Bush was named managing general partner of the new ownership group. He increased his investment to $600,000 the following year.<ref>[http://static.espn.go.com/mlb/bush/timeline.html ESPN: "A series of beneficial moves" By Tom Farrey] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190405024330/http://static.espn.go.com/mlb/bush/timeline.html |date=April 5, 2019 }} November 1, 1999</ref> Bush left his position with the Rangers when he was elected [[Governor of Texas]] in 1994, and he sold his stake in the team in 1998. Bush went on to win the [[2000 United States presidential election]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://spectrumlocalnews.com/tx/south-texas-el-paso/news/2023/11/02/george-w--bush-congratulates-texas-rangers-on-world-series-win-|access-date=9 May 2025|title=George W. Bush congratulates Texas Rangers on World Series win|publisher=[[Spectrum News]]}}</ref> During Bush's tenure, the Rangers and the City of Arlington decided to replace the aging Arlington Stadium with a new publicly funded stadium, at a cost of $193 million, financed by Arlington residents, through a sales tax increase. Ground was broken on October 30, 1991, on what would become The Ballpark in Arlington (now named [[Choctaw Stadium]]).{{citation needed|date=May 2025}} In 1993, [[Kevin Kennedy (baseball)|Kevin Kennedy]] took over managerial duties, presiding over the team for two seasons, keeping the 1993 Rangers in the hunt for a playoff berth into mid-September; Nolan Ryan also retired after that season. Kennedy was let go in 1994, although the team led the AL West prior to the [[1994–95 Major League Baseball strike|players' strike]] which prompted commissioner [[Bud Selig]] to cancel the remainder of the season and the playoffs. On July 28, Kenny Rogers pitched the 12th [[Perfect game (baseball)|perfect game]] in major league history in Arlington against the California Angels.{{citation needed|date=May 2025}} ====First division titles (1995–2000)==== [[File:Rangers Ballpark in Arlington.jpg|thumb|left|[[Globe Life Park]] opened in 1994.]] [[Johnny Oates]] was hired as the Rangers' manager in 1995. Oates and company helped to bring home the 1996 AL Western Division Championship, the first division championship in franchise history. The first playoff series, 24 years after the franchise came to Texas, saw the Rangers lose to the New York Yankees, 3 games to 1. Oates was named AL Manager of the Year and [[Juan González (baseball)|Juan González]] was named AL MVP. The team featured a powerful lineup of hitters including González, [[Iván Rodríguez]], and [[Rusty Greer]], but continued to struggle with pitching despite having [[Rick Helling]] and [[Aaron Sele]] on their roster. Oates led the team to consecutive AL West championships in 1998 and 1999. Neither of Oates' last two playoff teams could win a single game, losing all six in back-to-back sweeps at the hands of the Yankees, a team that won three World Series in the 1990s after defeating Rangers teams in the first round. The 1999 team was to be the last playoff-bound team until 2010. En route to a second-straight last-place finish, Oates resigned his position 28 games into the 2001 season.{{citation needed|date=May 2025}} In 1998, venture capital billionaire [[Tom Hicks]] bought the team for $250 million.<ref name=test>[http://static.espn.go.com/mlb/bush/timeline.html George W. Bush and the Texas Rangers] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190405024330/http://static.espn.go.com/mlb/bush/timeline.html |date=April 5, 2019 }}, Espn.com. Retrieved on March 4, 2009.</ref> ====The lean years and the A-Rod era (2001–2004)==== {{unsourced section|date=May 2025}} [[File:MichaelYoungField1.jpg|thumb|upright|[[Michael Young (baseball)|Michael Young]] was selected for the [[Major League Baseball All-Star Game|MLB All-Star Game]] seven times (2004–2009, 2011).]] Prior to the 2001 season, star free agent shortstop [[Alex Rodriguez]] was signed by the Rangers in the most lucrative deal in baseball history: a 10-year, $252 million contract. The move was controversial and is frequently maligned by fans and writers who thought that owner Tom Hicks was placing too much emphasis on one player instead of utilizing team resources to acquire several players, especially for a team that lacked pitching talent. Club officials maintained that Rodriguez would be the cornerstone of future postseason success. Although Rodriguez's individual performance was outstanding, the Rangers continued to struggle, and manager [[Jerry Narron]] was fired following the 2002 season and was replaced by seasoned manager [[Buck Showalter]]. The 2003 season signified the Rangers' fourth-straight last-place finish, and after a postseason fallout between Rodriguez and club management, the reigning AL MVP and newly appointed Rangers captain was traded to the New York Yankees for second baseman [[Alfonso Soriano]] and infield prospect [[Joaquín Árias (baseball)|Joaquin Arias]]. The Rangers battled with the [[Anaheim Angels]] and Oakland Athletics for first place in the AL West for much of the 2004 season. [[Mark Teixeira]], Alfonso Soriano, [[Michael Young (baseball)|Michael Young]], and [[Hank Blalock]] became some of the best-hitting infielders in the league, with Young, Blalock, and Soriano being selected for the [[2004 Major League Baseball All-Star Game|2004 All-Star Game]]. Soriano was named the All-Star MVP after going 2 for 3 with a three-run [[home run]]. Despite a late-season push, the Rangers ended up losing six of their final ten games and finished in third place behind the Angels and A's, a mere three games out of first place. ====Making changes (2005–2009)==== [[File:Nelson Cruz.jpg|thumb|upright|[[Nelson Cruz]], Rangers outfielder from 2006 to 2013]] In 2005, the Rangers again struggled to find consistency amid controversy and injuries. [[John Hart (baseball)|John Hart]] stepped down as general manager following the 2005 season. [[Jon Daniels]] was promoted from assistant general manager to replace him. Daniels, at 28 years and one month, became the youngest general manager in major league history.{{citation needed|date=May 2025}} Daniels and the Rangers front office were very active in acquiring new players before and during the 2006 season. New acquisitions included [[Brad Wilkerson]], [[Adam Eaton (pitcher)|Adam Eaton]], [[Kevin Millwood]], [[Carlos Lee]], and [[Nelson Cruz]]. Despite bolstering their roster, the Rangers' 2006 season ended with a disappointing 80–82 record and a third-place finish in the AL West. Buck Showalter was dismissed as manager after the season. The team hired Oakland third base coach [[Ron Washington]] as their next manager.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://texas.rangers.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20061105&content_id=1733731|title=Rangers select Washington to manage|first=T.R.|last=Sullivan|work=MLB.com|date=November 6, 2006|access-date=May 30, 2006}}{{dead link|date=October 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> A change at manager was the first of several moves to strengthen the team in yet another busy offseason. The team lost [[Gary Matthews, Jr.]], [[Mark DeRosa]], Carlos Lee, and Adam Eaton, but gained [[Kenny Lofton]], [[Sammy Sosa]], [[Frank Catalanotto]], and pitchers [[Éric Gagné]] and [[Brandon McCarthy]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://texas.rangers.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20061223&content_id=1767476|title=Rangers acquire McCarthy from Sox|first=T.R.|last=Sullivan|work=MLB.com|date=December 23, 2006|access-date=May 30, 2007}}{{dead link|date=October 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> The Rangers struggled offensively early in the 2007 season, despite playing in a notoriously hitter-friendly park. A number of roster moves before the 2007 trade deadline were the beginnings of a rebuilding project headed by Jon Daniels with a focus on the acquisition and development of young players. In the coming years, more club resources would be dedicated to improving the quality of the farm system and scouting departments, most notably in Latin America and the Far East. Daniels' objective was to field a legitimately competitive team by the 2010 season.{{citation needed|date=May 2025}} [[File:Josh Hamilton.jpg|left|thumb|upright|[[Josh Hamilton]], Rangers outfielder from 2008 to 2012]] The Rangers began the 2008 season exceptionally well, headlined by newcomer [[Josh Hamilton]] who looked to be a threat to win the [[Major League Baseball Triple Crown|Triple Crown]], before fading off as the season wore on. During the All-Star festivities at [[Yankee Stadium (1923)|Yankee Stadium]], Hamilton crushed a first-round home run record in the 2008 [[Home Run Derby]] with 28. Hamilton hit another four in the second round and three during the final round, for a total of 35 home runs, but lost to the Twins' [[Justin Morneau]]. Four Rangers played in the All Star Game: Hamilton, [[Ian Kinsler]], [[Milton Bradley (baseball)|Milton Bradley]], and Michael Young, who would repeat his 2006 All-Star Game feat by driving in the winning run via a sac fly.{{citation needed|date=May 2025}} The Rangers finished the season with yet another sub-.500 record (79–83), yet ended the season second in the AL West, the club's best finish since 1999. The 2009 season saw the Rangers soar into playoff contention for the first time since 2004. Despite injuries to Josh Hamilton and Ian Kinsler, the Rangers held first place in their division for long stretches of the summer before fading after September 1, losing the division to the Los Angeles Angels. The Rangers finished the season at 87–75, their first winning season since 2004 and good enough for second place in the AL West. Michael Young responded to his move to third base by posting one of his best offensive seasons ever while committing just nine errors and earning a sixth-straight All-Star appearance.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/player/stats/_/id/4566/michael-young |title=Michael Young Stats – Texas Rangers – ESPN |publisher=[[ESPN]] |date=October 19, 1976 |access-date=August 29, 2013 |archive-date=January 2, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210102185732/https://www.espn.com/mlb/player/stats/_/id/4566/michael-young |url-status=live }}</ref> Josh Hamilton and Nelson Cruz were also named 2009 AL All-Stars. ====Rangers Baseball Express, LLC==== Following financial problems, including defaulting on a $525 million loan,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.finalternatives.com/node/7478 |title=Tom Hicks' Sports Group Defaults On $525 Million In Loans |publisher=FINalternatives |date=April 3, 2009 |access-date=August 29, 2013 |archive-date=October 17, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131017000931/http://www.finalternatives.com/node/7478 |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Tom Hicks]] and Hicks Sports Group reached an agreement to sell the Texas Rangers to group headed by Pittsburgh sports lawyer [[Chuck Greenberg (businessman)|Chuck Greenberg]] and Rangers team president Nolan Ryan for approximately $570 million on January 22, 2010.<ref name="mlb.mlb.com">[http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100122&content_id=7958194&vkey=news_tex&fext=.jsp&c_id=tex&partnerId=rss_tex Hicks' sale of Rangers finalized] ''MLB.com''</ref> Hicks also sold much of the land surrounding Rangers Ballpark to Greenberg and Ryan's group in a separate deal. However, one of HSG's principal lenders, Monarch Alternative Capital, opposed the sale on grounds that the proceeds would not fully repay the defaulted HSG notes.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://bizofbaseball.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=4309:brown-time-for-mlb-to-play-hardball-on-the-texas-rangers-sale&catid=26:editorials&Itemid=39 |title=Brown: Time for MLB to Play Hardball on the Texas Rangers Sale |publisher=Bizofbaseball.com |date=April 22, 2010 |access-date=August 29, 2013 |archive-date=February 24, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160224203151/http://www.bizofbaseball.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=4309:brown-time-for-mlb-to-play-hardball-on-the-texas-rangers-sale&catid=26:editorials&Itemid=39 |url-status=live }}</ref> On April 21, Major League Baseball issued a statement declaring the Rangers' sale to be under the control of the Commissioner to expedite the process.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://rangersblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2010/04/mlb-statement-on-rangers-sale.html |title=MLB statement on Rangers sale : Texas Rangers Blog | |work=The Dallas Morning News |publisher=Rangersblog.dallasnews.com |date=April 21, 2010 |access-date=August 29, 2013 |archive-date=October 3, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111003152417/http://rangersblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2010/04/mlb-statement-on-rangers-sale.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=Fort Worth Star-Telegram |url=http://startelegramsports.typepad.com/foul_territory/2010/04/mlb-says-its-in-control-of-sale.html |title=Foul Territory: MLB says it's in control of sale |publisher=Startelegramsports.typepad.com |date=April 21, 2010 |access-date=August 29, 2013 |archive-date=January 2, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210102185834/https://startelegramsports.typepad.com/foul_territory/2010/04/mlb-says-its-in-control-of-sale.html |url-status=live }}</ref> As the stalemate between HSG and its creditors continued, the Texas Rangers filed for [[Chapter 11, Title 11, United States Code|Chapter 11 bankruptcy]] on May 24.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/yankees/2010/05/24/2010-05-24_arod_takes_a_hit_texas_rangers_file_for_bankrupcty_could_cost_yankees_alex_rodri.html | location=New York | work=Daily News | title=A-Rod takes a hit: Texas Rangers file for bankruptcy, could cost Yankees' Alex Rodriguez $25 million | first1=Bill | last1=Madden | first2=Corky | last2=Siemaszko | date=May 24, 2010}}</ref><ref name="blogs.wsj.com">{{cite news | url=https://blogs.wsj.com/bankruptcy/2010/05/24/texas-rangers-owe-alex-rodriguez-249-million/ | work=The Wall Street Journal | title=Texas Rangers Owe Alex Rodriguez $24.9 Million | first=Eric | last=Morath | date=May 24, 2010 | access-date=August 4, 2017 | archive-date=January 2, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210102185738/https://www.wsj.com/articles/BL-BANKB-12524 | url-status=live }}</ref> As of that date, the Rangers and HSG had an estimated debt of $575 million.<ref name="blogs.wsj.com"/> Much of the unsecured debt was owed in back salary. Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez topped the list of unsecured creditors with an estimated $24.9 million owed by the Rangers.<ref name="blogs.wsj.com"/> The sale would repay all the team's creditors, including Rodriguez and other players owed back salary.<ref name="blogs.wsj.com"/> Following a court-ordered public auction to be held on August 4 with the winning bid submitted by Greenberg/Ryan, the bankruptcy court closed the case. The sale to Greenberg/Ryan was approved by all 30 MLB owners at the owners meeting in Minneapolis on August 12. The new ownership group was called Rangers Baseball Express, LLC and had Chuck Greenberg serving as managing general partner and Nolan Ryan as club president.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://texas.rangers.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100804&content_id=13024390 |title=Rangers go to Greenberg-Ryan in auction |publisher=Texas.rangers.mlb.com |date=May 24, 2013 |access-date=August 29, 2013 |archive-date=October 4, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131004214053/http://texas.rangers.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100804&content_id=13024390 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Oil magnates [[Ray Davis (businessman)|Ray Davis]] and [[Bob R. Simpson]] paid the bulk of the $539 million sale price, and became co-chairmen, with the largest stakes in the ownership group. However, they remained mostly in the background as senior consultants, leaving the team mostly in Greenberg and Ryan's hands.<ref name=undercover>{{cite web |url=http://www.dmagazine.com/Home/D_CEO/2012/October/Ray_C_Davis_The_Undercover_Billionaire.aspx |title=D CEO : Ray C. Davis: The Undercover Billionaire |publisher=Dmagazine.com |access-date=December 3, 2013 |archive-date=November 14, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121114181510/http://www.dmagazine.com/Home/D_CEO/2012/October/Ray_C_Davis_The_Undercover_Billionaire.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="DavisControl" /> ====Rise to contention and back-to-back American League Pennants (2010–2016)==== [[File:Ron Washington at Minute Maid Park in August 2014.jpg|thumb|upright|[[Ron Washington]], Rangers manager from 2007 to 2014, winning two A.L. pennants ('10, '11)]] With the influx of talent and success in 2009, the Rangers entered the 2010 season expecting to compete for the division and achieve the front office's 2007 goals. During the off-season, Nolan Ryan spoke about the Rangers' chances in the upcoming season saying, "My expectations today are that we're going to be extremely competitive and if we don't win our division, I'll be disappointed."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/dallas/mlb/news/story?id=4860343 |title=Ryan expects restrictions to be lifted |author=Richard Durrett |date=January 26, 2010 |work=ESPNDallas.com |publisher=[[ESPN]] |access-date=February 9, 2010 |archive-date=January 2, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210102185737/https://www.espn.com/dallas/mlb/news/story?id=4860343 |url-status=live }}</ref> After stumbling out of the gates with a sub-.500 start in April 2010, the Rangers took the division lead with a franchise-best month of June, going 21–6. The Rangers never relinquished first place after an 11-game winning streak. The team made several mid-season moves to acquire players such as [[Cliff Lee]], [[Bengie Molina]], [[Jorge Cantú]], and [[Jeff Francoeur]]. After the All-Star Game, in which six Rangers were present, came the debut of the claw and antler hand gestures, which gained much popularity, especially after the release of various apparel and souvenir options. Foam claws and helmets with deer antlers became quite commonplace in the ballpark as the Rangers played further into the fall. The Rangers won the AL West on September 25, advancing to the postseason for the first time since 1999 with a 90–72 record.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100925&content_id=15072658&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb |title=With Cantu's help, Rangers clinch AL West |publisher=Mlb.mlb.com |access-date=August 29, 2013 |archive-date=September 29, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100929153610/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100925&content_id=15072658&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb |url-status=live }}</ref> The Rangers entered the playoffs against the [[Tampa Bay Rays]] in the first round, which ultimately resulted in a 3–2 series victory and marked the first postseason series victory in the 50-year history of the Rangers/Washington Senators franchise. Facing the Rangers in the American League Championship Series were the defending World Series champion New York Yankees, the team the Rangers failed against three separate times in the 1990s. In a six-game ALCS, Texas came out victorious, winning the first pennant in franchise history in front of an ecstatic home crowd.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/dallas/mlb/columns/story?columnist=reeves_jim&id=5717024|title=Pennant vanquishes Rangers' ghosts|date=October 22, 2010|work=ESPN|access-date=October 24, 2010|archive-date=October 26, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101026092816/http://sports.espn.go.com/dallas/mlb/columns/story?columnist=reeves_jim&id=5717024|url-status=live}}</ref> Josh Hamilton was awarded [[League Championship Series Most Valuable Player Award|ALCS MVP]]. The Rangers faced the [[San Francisco Giants]] in the [[2010 World Series]], but their offense struggled against the Giants' young pitching and eventually lost the Series, 4–1. In March 2011, Chuck Greenberg resigned as Chief Executive and Managing General Partner and sold his interest in the Rangers after a falling out with his partners.<ref name=autogenerated3>{{cite web|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20110512&content_id=18980114&vkey=news_tex&c_id=tex |title=Nolan Ryan approved by MLB as controlling owner of Texas Rangers | texasrangers.com: News |publisher=Mlb.mlb.com |access-date=August 29, 2013}}</ref> Following his resignation, Nolan Ryan was named CEO in addition to his continuing role as team president.<ref name=autogenerated1>{{cite web|last=Durrett |first=Richard |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/dallas/texas-rangers/post/_/id/4861208/club-release-on-chuck-greenbergs-departure |title=Club release on Chuck Greenberg's exit – Dallas Texas Rangers Blog – ESPN Dallas |date=March 11, 2011 |publisher=Espn.go.com |access-date=August 29, 2013}}</ref> Ryan was subsequently approved as the team's controlling owner by a unanimous vote of the 30 owners of Major League Baseball on May 12.<ref name=autogenerated3 /> The Rangers successfully defended their AL West Division title in 2011, making the club's second-straight division title and postseason appearance. The Rangers set records for best win–loss record (96–66, .592) and home attendance (2,946,949). On October 15, they went back to the [[2011 World Series]] after beating the Detroit Tigers 15–5 in game six of the ALCS.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2011_10_15_detmlb_texmlb_1&mode=recap_home&c_id=tex |title=MLB.com Gameday | texasrangers.com: Gameday |publisher=Mlb.mlb.com |date=October 16, 2011 |access-date=August 29, 2013 |archive-date=May 11, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130511191542/http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2011_10_15_detmlb_texmlb_1&mode=recap_home&c_id=tex |url-status=live }}</ref> The series featured Nelson Cruz hitting six home runs, the most home runs by one player in a playoff series in MLB history. In Game 2, Cruz also became the first player in postseason history to win a game with a walk-off grand slam as the Rangers defeated the Tigers 7–3 in 11 innings. However, they proceeded to lose to the [[St. Louis Cardinals]] in seven games, after twice being one strike away from the championship in Game 6.{{citation needed|date=May 2025}} The Rangers dominated the American League standings for much of the 2012 season, but floundered in September, culminating in a sweep by the Oakland Athletics in the final series. They did, however, qualify for the first American League [[Major League Baseball wild-card game|wild-card playoff game]]. In the new [[2012 American League Wild Card Game|Wild Card Game]], the Rangers' woes continued, as they lost 5–1 to the Orioles. The Rangers figured in the 2013 wild card as well. They finished the season in second place in the American League West with a 91–72 record, tied with the Tampa Bay Rays for a wild card spot. A 163rd play-in [[2013 American League Wild Card tie-breaker game|tie-breaker game]] was held to determine the second participant in the [[2013 American League Wild Card Game]] against the [[Cleveland Indians]]. The Rangers lost to the Rays, 5–2, in the tie-breaker and were eliminated from playoff contention after reaching the postseason in three consecutive seasons. Nolan Ryan stepped down as Rangers CEO effective October 31, 2013.<ref>{{cite news |last=Fraley |first=Gerry |url=http://www.dallasnews.com/sports/texas-rangers/headlines/20131017-nolan-ryan-to-retire-as-texas-rangers-ceo-on-halloween.ece |title=Nolan Ryan to retire as Texas Rangers CEO on Halloween |work=[[The Dallas Morning News]] |date=October 17, 2013 |access-date=October 17, 2013}}</ref> After that, Daniels served as operating head of the franchise, with Davis and Simpson continuing to serve mostly as senior consultants. [[File:Adrián Beltré in 2017.jpg|thumb|[[Adrián Beltré]], Rangers third baseman from 2011 to 2018]] Injuries took a major toll on the Rangers in 2014.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Keri|first1=Johnah|title=The Texas Rangers' Lost Season|url=http://grantland.com/the-triangle/texas-rangers-historic-injury-woes/|website=Grantland|date=June 11, 2014|access-date=June 11, 2014|archive-date=January 2, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210102185737/http://grantland.com/the-triangle/texas-rangers-historic-injury-woes/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Land|first1=Brandon|title=Rangers chasing dubious record|url=https://www.espn.com/blog/sweetspot/post/_/id/50848/rangers-chasing-dubious-record|website=ESPN|date=August 26, 2014|access-date=August 26, 2014|archive-date=January 2, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210102185740/https://www.espn.com/blog/sweetspot/post/_/id/50848/rangers-chasing-dubious-record|url-status=live}}</ref> The lone bright spot was [[Adrián Beltré]], who despite spending some time injured, was the most consistent offensive player on the team.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Andracki|first1=Tony|last2=Stankevitz|first2=JJ|title=MLB Power Rankings: Running down each team's MVP|url=http://www.csnchicago.com/cubs/mlb-power-rankings-running-down-each-teams-mvp|website=CSN Chicago|access-date=September 30, 2014|archive-date=October 4, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141004020946/http://www.csnchicago.com/cubs/mlb-power-rankings-running-down-each-teams-mvp|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Mailhot|first1=Jake|title=Series Preview: Mariners (71–58) vs Rangers (50–79)|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/news/series-preview-mariners-71-58-200003088.html|website=Yahoo! Sports|access-date=August 25, 2014|archive-date=January 2, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210102185844/https://sports.yahoo.com/news/series-preview-mariners-71-58-200003088.html|url-status=live}}</ref> On September 4, 2014, the Rangers became the first MLB team officially eliminated from 2014 postseason contention when a 10–2 loss at home to the [[Seattle Mariners]] dropped their record to 53–87.<ref>{{cite web|title=Mariners 10, Rangers 2: Recap|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=340904113&teams=seattle-mariners-vs-texas-rangers|access-date=September 6, 2014|website=ESPN.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=MLB Standings – Sep 4, 2014|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/standings/_/date/20140904|access-date=September 6, 2014|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> The following day, manager [[Ron Washington]] resigned, citing personal issues.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Goldman|first1=Steven|title=Ron Washington, good man/bad manager, resigns|url=http://www.sbnation.com/mlb/2014/9/5/6112145/ron-washington-texas-rangers-manager-resigns|website=SB Nation|date=September 5, 2014|accessdate=September 5, 2014}}</ref> With the acquisition of [[Cole Hamels]] in 2015, the Rangers overtook the [[Houston Astros]] to clinch the American League West title on the final day of the season with a record of 88–74. The Rangers went on to lose to the [[Toronto Blue Jays]] in five games in the [[2015 American League Division Series|Division Series]] after squandering a 2–0 series lead. Texas again clinched the AL West in 2016, but lost to Toronto, 3–0, in the ALDS.{{citation needed|date=May 2025}} ====Rebuilding (2017–2022)==== The Rangers finished the 2017 campaign 23 games out of first place with a 78–84 record. In 2018, the Rangers partnered with the [[KBO League]]'s [[LG Twins]], in business and baseball operations.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/press-release/texas-rangers-lg-twins-announce-partnership-agreement-266905596|date=February 21, 2018|title=Texas Rangers, LG Twins announce partnership agreement|work=[[Major League Baseball]]|access-date=June 22, 2019|archive-date=January 2, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210102185756/https://www.mlb.com/press-release/texas-rangers-lg-twins-announce-partnership-agreement-266905596|url-status=live}}</ref> On September 21, 2018, holding on to a 64–88 record, the Rangers fired [[Jeff Banister]] who had led the team since 2015. He was replaced by bench coach [[Don Wakamatsu]] for the remainder of the season.<ref>{{cite web|title=Rangers fire manager Jeff Banister after 4 seasons|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/24754826/texas-rangers-fire-manager-jeff-banister-4-seasons|website=ESPN|date=September 21, 2018|access-date=September 22, 2018|archive-date=January 2, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210102185818/https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/24754826/texas-rangers-fire-manager-jeff-banister-4-seasons|url-status=live}}</ref> The Rangers ended the season at 67–95. [[Chris Woodward]] was later selected to be the team's manager beginning with the 2019 season.<ref>{{cite web|title=New manager Chris Woodward shares bond with Rangers fans|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/25186398/texas-rangers-introduce-new-manager-chris-woodward|website=ESPN|date=November 5, 2018|access-date=January 29, 2019|archive-date=January 2, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210102185830/https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/25186398/texas-rangers-introduce-new-manager-chris-woodward|url-status=live}}</ref> He led the team to a 78–84 record in his first season. The 2019 season also marked the Rangers' final season of play at Globe Life Park.<ref>{{cite web|last=Reichard|first=Kevin|url=https://ballparkdigest.com/2019/09/28/saying-goodbye-to-globe-life-park/|date=September 28, 2019|title=Saying Goodbye to Globe Life Park|work=Ballpark Digest|access-date=September 30, 2019|archive-date=January 2, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210102185810/https://ballparkdigest.com/2019/09/28/saying-goodbye-to-globe-life-park/|url-status=live}}</ref> On September 29, 2019, the Rangers played their final game at Globe Life Park, a 6–1 win over the [[New York Yankees]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Yankees 1, Rangers 6 (Final Score) on MLB Gameday|url=https://www.mlb.com/gameday/yankees-vs-rangers/2019/09/29/566848/final|access-date=January 14, 2022|website=MLB.com|language=en}}</ref> Following a delayed start to the 2020 season due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]], the Rangers played their first regular season game at the new [[Globe Life Field]] on July 24, 2020, a 1–0 win over the [[Colorado Rockies]].<ref name=GLFopening>{{cite web |last=Sullivan |first=T.R. |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/rangers-win-globe-life-field-opener |title=Rangers Open New Park With 3-Hit Shutout |work=[[Major League Baseball]] |date=July 25, 2020 |access-date=January 1, 2020 |archive-date=January 2, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210102185828/https://www.mlb.com/news/rangers-win-globe-life-field-opener |url-status=live }}</ref> They ended the contracted season in fifth place at 22–38.<ref name=BRseasons/> On April 5, 2021, the Texas Rangers hosted the first full-capacity sporting event in the United States since the pandemic began with more than 38,000 fans in attendance. The decision for full capacity stemmed from Texas allowing all businesses to operate at 100% capacity without mask restrictions. The Rangers were criticized by United States health officials and [[President of the United States|President]] [[Joe Biden]] for hosting a full-capacity event, calling it "a mistake" and "not responsible".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gonzalez |first=Alden |date=April 1, 2021 |title=Biden: No fan limit at Rangers' park 'a mistake' |url=https://www.espn.com/espn/story/_/id/31174442/president-joe-biden-calls-no-limit-fans-texas-rangers-stadium-not-responsible |access-date=April 7, 2021 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}</ref> However, former White House medical staff member Dr. William Lang argued that lowering rates of COVID-19 infections and increasing rates of vaccination in Texas gave the decision to hold the game at full capacity more credibility.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Dixon|first=Schuyler|date=April 5, 2021|title=Texas Rangers fill the stands with fans, who accept a 'calculated risk'|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/ct-texas-rangers-full-stadium-covid-19-20210405-tqmuhqhcpbdflgpbm27pbuyz5q-story.html|access-date=August 1, 2021|website=[[Chicago Tribune]]}}</ref> The Rangers did not enforce a mask policy at the home opener or any of their games. Although the seven-day average of COVID-19 cases in Tarrant County more than doubled following the home opener, there was no evidence of causation occurring as a result of the opening game.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Blum |first=Sam |date=April 26, 2021 |title=As fans pack into Globe Life Field, Texas Rangers aren't strongly enforcing their own mask policy |url=https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/rangers/2021/04/26/as-fans-pack-into-globe-life-field-texas-rangers-arent-strongly-enforcing-their-own-mask-policy/ |access-date=May 4, 2021 |website=dallasnews.com |language=en}}</ref> After a 60–102 season in 2021, their worst since 1973, the Rangers signed several free agents, including [[Toronto Blue Jays]] second baseman [[Marcus Semien]] and [[Los Angeles Dodgers]] shortstop [[Corey Seager]], and they brought back former starting pitcher [[Martín Pérez (baseball)|Martin Perez]] after three seasons away from the team. However, the team finished 68–94, good enough for fourth place in the AL West; they were also a franchise- and league-worst 15–35 in one-run games. The Rangers fired Chris Woodward on August 15, 2022, with [[Tony Beasley]] taking his place as interim manager for the rest of the year. Two days after Woodward's firing, the Rangers fired President of Baseball Operations (and former Rangers general manager) Jon Daniels, after six consecutive losing seasons.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/34413172/texas-rangers-fire-president-baseball-operations-jon-daniels | title=Rangers continue shake-up, fire president Daniels | date=August 17, 2022 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/rangers/2022/08/17/rangers-part-ways-with-team-president-jon-daniels/ | title=Rangers part ways with team president Jon Daniels, club hands keys to Chris Young | date=August 17, 2022 }}</ref> Chris Young, who was named general manager in 2020 to take over the role from Daniels, was named the new club president.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.wfaa.com/article/sports/mlb/rangers/jon-daniels-texas-rangers-fired-2022/287-d41925b5-5044-4ec0-80f7-c5aaedf557c3|title=Cleaning house: Texas Rangers fire longtime exec Jon Daniels, 2 days after ousting manager|last=Osborne|first=Ryan|date=August 17, 2022|accessdate=August 18, 2022}}</ref> On October 21, 2022, the Rangers hired three-time World Series winning manager [[Bruce Bochy]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/34846694/texas-rangers-hire-bruce-bochy-new-manager|title=Texas Rangers hire Bruce Bochy as new manager|website=[[ESPN]]|publisher=Associated Press|date=October 21, 2022|access-date=November 2, 2023}}</ref> During the offseason, the Rangers signed longtime [[New York Mets]] starting pitcher [[Jacob deGrom]] to a five-year, $185 million contract,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.foxsports.com/stories/mlb/jacob-degrom-signs-five-year-185-million-contract-with-texas-rangers|title=Jacob deGrom signs five-year contract with Texas Rangers|website=Fox Sports|date=December 2, 2022|access-date=November 2, 2023}}</ref> and starting pitchers [[Nathan Eovaldi]] and [[Andrew Heaney]]. {{Multiple image | image1 = Corey Seager (53626731583) (cropped).jpg | image2 = Marcus Semien (53626728548) (cropped).jpg | image3 = Adolis Garcia (53626533301) (cropped).jpg | total_width = 300 | align = right | footer = [[Corey Seager]], [[Marcus Semien]], and [[Adolis García]] }} ==== First World Series title (2023–present) ==== The Rangers finished the [[2023 Texas Rangers season|2023 season]] with a 90-72 record, losing the AL West title to the Houston Astros on a tiebreaker. The Rangers had six players (five starters) named to the All-Star game, a franchise record.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Stevenson |first=Stefan |date=July 11, 2023 |title=Texas Rangers Six All-Stars Make History in Seattle |url=https://www.si.com/mlb/rangers/news/texas-rangers-all-star-game-history-seattle-jonah-heim-marcus-semien-corey-seager-josh-jung-adolis-garcia-nathan-eovaldi#gid=ci02c40c1fc000259e&pid=adolis-garca |access-date=July 27, 2023 |work=SI.com}}</ref> Second baseman [[Marcus Semien]] was the only player who started in every game the Rangers played in 2023, and he also became the fifth player in MLB history with at least 100 RBI in the leadoff spot and won a [[Silver Slugger Award|Silver Slugger]] award.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Postins |first=Matthew |date=2023-12-24 |title=Top 5 Texas Rangers in 2023 by WAR |url=https://www.si.com/mlb/rangers/news/marcus-semien-corey-seager-texas-rangers-war-leaders-2023 |access-date=2024-10-02 |website=Sports Illustrated Texas Rangers News, Analysis and More |language=en}}</ref> On September 30, the Rangers clinched a playoff berth for the first time since [[2016 Texas Rangers season|2016]] with a win against the [[Seattle Mariners]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-10-01 |title=Rangers clinch first postseason berth since 2016 |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/38533729/texas-rangers-clinch-first-postseason-berth-2016 |access-date=2024-10-02 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}</ref> {{multiple image | align = left | total_width = 270 | image1 = President Biden Welcomes the Texas Rangers to Celebrate their 2023 World Series Championship Season.webm |footer = [[2023 World Series]] Champions visit the Biden White House in August 2024 | image2 = President Joe Biden with members of the 2023 World Series champion Texas Rangers on August 8, 2024, in the State Dining Room of the White House.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|The [[2023 World Series]] champion Texas Rangers at the White House | direction = vertical}} Despite leading the American League West for most of the season and finishing with the same record as the rival and defending champion Houston Astros, they finished second due to the Astros owning the tiebreaker as a result of taking the season series.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-10-01 |title=Bubbly Astros clinch AL West, bye with Texas loss |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/38542492/astros-win-al-west-title-via-tiebreaker-rangers-lose |access-date=2024-10-02 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}</ref> The Rangers defeated the [[2023 Tampa Bay Rays season|Tampa Bay Rays]] in the [[2023 American League Wild Card Series|ALWCS]] in a two-game sweep and the [[2023 Baltimore Orioles season|Baltimore Orioles]] in a three-game sweep in the [[2023 American League Division Series|ALDS]] to advance to the [[2023 American League Championship Series|ALCS]] for the first time since [[2011 American League Championship Series|2011]], in which they beat their division and [[Lone Star Series]] rival, and defending World Series champions Astros in seven games to claim their first pennant since [[2011 Texas Rangers season|2011]]. The Rangers went 13–4 in the postseason, going 2–4 at home and 11–0 on the road, the most road wins in a postseason in MLB history.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rangers' World Series run concludes with 11-0 road record in 2023 playoffs: 'We didn't care where we were' |url=https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/rangers-world-series-run-concludes-with-11-0-road-record-in-2023-playoffs-we-didnt-care-where-we-were/ |access-date=2024-10-02 |website=www.cbssports.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Stevenson |first=Stefan |date=2023-10-31 |title=Road Perfect! — Texas Rangers Go For MLB Record Perfect 10 Road Win in Game 4 Of World Series Tuesday |url=https://www.si.com/mlb/rangers/news/texas-rangers-perfect-road-record-two-wins-from-mlb-postseason-win-record |access-date=2024-10-02 |website=Sports Illustrated Texas Rangers News, Analysis and More |language=en}}</ref> The postseason was marked by performances by All-Star players [[Nathan Eovaldi]], [[Corey Seager]] and [[Adolis García]], with Eovaldi matching the record number of wins by a pitcher in a single postseason with 5, Seager winning [[World Series Most Valuable Player Award|World Series MVP]] and Garcia winning [[League Championship Series Most Valuable Player Award|ALCS MVP]].<ref>{{cite web |title=All-time and Single-Season Postseason Pitching Leaders |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/postseason/Playoffs_pitching.shtml |website=[[Baseball Reference]] |access-date=24 February 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240108045041/https://www.baseball-reference.com/postseason/Playoffs_pitching.shtml |archive-date=8 January 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Corey Seager and Adolis García turn Rangers' World Series history on its head |url=https://www.foxsports.com/stories/mlb/corey-seager-and-adolis-garcia-turned-rangers-world-series-history-on-its-head |access-date=2024-10-02 |website=FOX Sports |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Stevenson |first=Stefan |date=2023-10-30 |title=Polar Opposites Attract! |url=https://www.si.com/mlb/rangers/news/texas-rangers-adolis-garcia-corey-seager-polar-opposite-styles-share-deep-bond-world-series |access-date=2024-10-02 |website=Sports Illustrated Texas Rangers News, Analysis and More |language=en}}</ref> On November 1, the Rangers won the [[2023 World Series]] after defeating the [[2023 Arizona Diamondbacks season|Arizona Diamondbacks]] in five games, achieving their first World Series championship in franchise history.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rangers claim 1st World Series title, 52 years in the making |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/rangers-win-world-series-2023 |access-date=2024-10-02 |website=MLB.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Verducci |first=Tom |date=2023-11-02 |title=Rangers' Improbable World Series Triumph Was Built on Trust |url=https://www.si.com/mlb/2023/11/02/texas-rangers-win-world-series-diamondbacks-daily-cover |access-date=2024-10-02 |magazine=Sports Illustrated |language=en-us}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-11-02 |title=A night 63 years in the making: Inside the celebration as the Texas Rangers -- finally -- became World Series champions |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/38802027/world-series-mlb-2023-rangers-texas-philosophy-title-championship |access-date=2024-10-02 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://clutchpoints.com/rangers-news-mlb-world-goes-crazy-after-texas-survives-diamondbacks-for-world-series-title|title=Rangers' World Series win has whole MLB world going crazy|website=ClutchPoints|last=Guinhawa|first=Angelo|date=November 1, 2023|access-date=November 2, 2023}}</ref> As a result of many injuries throughout the 2024 season, the Rangers finished the season with a 78–84 record, failing to improve on their 90–72 record from 2023 and not making the playoffs. The Rangers became the first team since the 2020 Washington Nationals to win a title and fail to make the playoffs in the very next year. This made the Rangers the 12th team in the past 25 years to win the World Series, then fail to make it to the playoffs the following year.<ref>{{cite web |last=Dixon |first=Schuyler |date=September 21, 2024 |title=World Series champion Rangers eliminated from postseason contention during final homestand |url=https://apnews.com/article/rangers-world-series-champs-eliminated-71909ad241f15c623860c39460305e1b |access-date=September 21, 2024 |work=[[Associated Press|AP News]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Young |first=Matt |date=September 21, 2024 |title=Texas Rangers join dubious list of teams to win World Series, then fail to make playoffs |url=https://www.houstonchronicle.com/sports/astros/article/texas-rangers-world-series-champions-miss-playoffs-19782122.php |access-date=September 21, 2024 |website=[[Houston Chronicle]]}}</ref>
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