DALLAS (KDAF) — The 2025 Major League Baseball (MLB) season is shaping up to be quite the challenge for the Texas Rangers, as they face the arduous task of logging approximately 37,281 miles on the road—ranking them among the league's travel-weary teams. This total is not just arbitrary; it reflects the Rangers' significant travel burden, increasing by 1,207 miles from the previous season, with the average trip totaling about 2,947 miles, placing them ninth for longest road trips.
Despite the grueling schedule, the Rangers might be equipped to handle the pressure. They showcased impressive stamina during the 2023 postseason, where they triumphed in every road game they played, ending the postseason with an astounding 11-0 record on the road. This performance marks the most road victories by any team during postseason history, illuminating the Rangers' ability to thrive under taxing conditions.
Interestingly, the Rangers are not the only team facing strenuous travel demands this season. The Los Angeles Dodgers have it even tougher with 55,893 miles of travel scheduled, driven partly by their participation in the Tokyo series. These travel numbers are causing fans and analysts alike to ponder their potential impact on team performance throughout the season.
The 2025 season arrives with shifting tides across the American League West, where the Houston Astros, who dominated the division for years, are undergoing notable changes. With the peak of their success seemingly behind them—the Astros failed to advance to the AL Championship Series for the first time since 2015—it's unclear who will rise as their main competition. The Astros parted ways with two key hitters, Kyle Tucker and Alex Bregman, and rumors suggest they may now transition nine-time All-Star Jose Altuve to left field to accommodate team dynamics.
This shift is indicative of the significant overhaul the Astros are willing to undergo to regain their competitive edge. "Altuve is expected to move... even after Bregman signed with Boston," noted the Associated Press, highlighting the organization's strategic adjustments as they work to maintain their prominence.
Meanwhile, the Seattle Mariners are hoping to build on their recent success. They’re led by center fielder Julio Rodríguez, who has been touted as the key to achieving the franchise's first five consecutive winning seasons. Coming off four straight winning seasons, the Mariners will now leverage their budding star to push for greater postseason success than their recent years have yielded, as they were swept by Houston during the 2022 divisional series.
The Mariners, with notable pitchers like Luis Castillo and Logan Gilbert, are expected to make strides this season, addressing their needs for offensive improvement after ending last season with only a .224 batting average—a troubling statistic which they must improve to challenge the Rangers and Astros effectively.
On the other end of the division are the Oakland Athletics, who are undergoing significant transformation after their final season in Oakland. Now preparing to relocate to Las Vegas, the A's are investing their resources more strategically than ever, recently signing their first three $60 million-plus contracts. This includes deals with Lawrence Butler, Brent Rooker, and Luis Severino, which marks a shift for the franchise, aiming to compete more effectively moving forward.
After finishing 2024 with the worst record, the Los Angeles Angels are also at the crossroads. This year, they will aim to rise from last year's dismal performance of 99 losses—their franchise record—under new hopes of revitalization. With star player Mike Trout reportedly moving to right field to preserve his health after battling injuries, the Angels are banking on their young talents to step up and help them rebound from years of frustration.
Back to the Texas Rangers, they are not without their challenges as they strap for the challenging 2025 season. While their major league roster has received boosts, including the re-signing of Nathan Eovaldi, and the recovery of two-time Cy Young Award winner Jacob deGrom, injuries have marred their rotation with Jon Gray and Cody Bradford starting the season on the injured list. Nonetheless, the Rangers believe their revamped bullpen and batting lineup—with newcomers Jake Burger and Joc Pederson—can help restore some potency after last year's offensive struggles.
Rangers' coach Bruce Bochy, lauded for his four World Series titles with the San Francisco Giants, may be the right leader to navigate treacherous waters once more. Texas is desperate to renew the pattern of bouncing back from playoff absences to championship triumphs, just as Bochy did during his tenure with the Giants.
Heading toward the new season, as travel challenges loom large and competitiveness ramps up, whether the Texas Rangers can capitalize on their previous successes remains uncertain. Yet, one thing's for sure: the quest for Fall Classic glory continues, as they embrace both the hurdles and opportunities this season tosses their way.
