ARLINGTON—It appeared as though winning a World Series might soon become the standard here when the Rangers last made it there. There was a long lineup. There was a deeper agricultural system. Big-time free agents were now being drawn to the Rangers by the chance to win, not just make money. Arlington hosted back-to-back AL championship games. One child was a miniature version of Ron Washington for Halloween.

That was baseball’s course. Then it vanished.

Not all league champions go on to form dynasties. The Rangers haven’t played in the World Series in twelve years, and they hadn’t won a postseason series in twelve years prior to two weeks ago. And yet, here they are, set to take on Arizona in the World Series, which will begin on Friday at Arlington’s Globe Life Field.

There is a long lineup. also the agriculture system. They’ve never spent as much money on free agents and in-season additions. For Halloween, children are dressing like Adolis García. Just picture how terrifying that costume would be if your child were to ring the doorbell at an Astros fan’s house. Could this be the start of a longer rule—the expansion of a conflict window?

Michael Young, a special assistant to general manager Chris Young in 2023 and a third baseman, DH, and captain of the clubhouse in 2010–11, stated that “both teams were in position to be good for a while.” “There is an outstanding group of veterans who are long-term dedicated. There are young, talented players. And more are in the works. This group is capable of leaving its imprint and growing from it.

Stated differently, this team can tick off the one item that the teams from 2010 and 2011 were unable to do. The World Series might be won by it.

Ian Kinsler, a special assistant currently and second baseman from 2010 to 2011, stated, “It stinks to compare teams.” “It seems like you are making one less.”

Kinsler did identify the tenacity of the 2023 squad as a possible point of differentiation.

There are several similarities between the 2010–11 team, which lost five games to San Francisco and seven games to St. Louis in a row, and the 2023 Rangers. In terms of depth, the lineups are nearly equal, indicating that they are strong forces. Although the 2023 rotation struggles defensively, they might have a stronger 1-2 punch. Although it did not fare well in the World Series, the bullpen from ten years earlier was still superior. Both advanced (runs saved) and basic (fielding%) data show that the defense has improved dramatically since then. There are five Gold Glove finalists on this team. Not a single gold glove was produced by the 2010 squad.

Should you wish to question the impact of defense, do we really need to bring up Game 6 from 2011? Do you believe that Adolis García is losing his head? This is not meant as a slight to Nelson Cruz.

The Rangers committed four mistakes in Game 1 of their 2010 series against the Bruce Bochy-led Giants. San Francisco pushed the game away with three runs in the eighth inning, two of which were scored by Vladimir Guerrero, the designated hitter who was made to play right field in an NL park.

In terms of runs saved, the Rangers defense was seventh in 2023; in 2010 and 2011, they were in the lower half of the league. Naturally, Arizona, their opponent this season, ranks among the top 10 teams in runs saved.

Bochy stated, “Defensive can affect [the series] as much as any aspect of the game.” “Over there, they have an excellent defense. Observing two teams that are proficient at catching the ball can have an impact. Defense needs to be a constant, as I’ve stated.

Related: The Rangers’ run for the World Series needed Corey Seager’s uncommon display of emotion.
The bullpen is the other item that has significant potential. In 2010 and 2011, the Rangers’ bullpens performed better throughout the regular season, and Neftali Feliz was their closer for the whole campaign. The 2011 bullpen was excellent throughout the ALCS, especially with swingman Alexi Ogando, but was unable to seal the deal in the World Series.

Darren Oliver, a special assistant and former reliever for the 2010–11 teams, stated that bullpens undergo changes during the postseason. “You use the hot hand a little more, and there are more starters down there.”

Following the fall in 2012, the blossoming dynasty in 2010–11 was dismantled. Young was sent to Philadelphia in exchange. In free agency, Josh Hamilton made his move. After a year, Kinsler was traded away, and Cruz walked.

Mitch Garver is the only regular on this team who is eligible for free agency. Marcus Semien and Corey Seager have long-term contracts. For the first time, Jonah Heim, Nathaniel Lowe, and García will go to salary arbitration. Evan Carter and Josh Jung are rookies. In 2010–11, the Rangers had fewer young, controllable regulars than they did.

According to Kinsler, “I think we are set up to make a sustained organizational shift.” “I detest the phrase ‘window of contention,’ as it implies that it will ultimately come to an end. The GM does not think that way. The goal is to keep reloading and trying again.

The Rangers need to invest more in domestic pitchers. Pitching is the one component of the team that has underperformed this season. Derek Holland and Martín Pérez were developed by the Rangers between 2009 and 2012. Since then, they haven’t grown to be as strong starters. The Rangers invested more than $250 million in starting pitchers last year, in part because of this. It does take longer to develop pitching. The Rangers are placing bets on Jack Leiter, Owen White, and Kumar Rocker to return from Tommy John surgery by the conclusion of the season and get back on track by then as well.

Assistant general manager Josh Boyd, who was involved in the inner circle of decision-making both then and now, stated, “I think the depth of talent we have throughout the system right now is even stronger [than in 2010-11].” “I believe that one of the differentiators in how organizations maintain championship contention for an extended period of time is the kind of alignment we have throughout the organization and all the effort and discipline required to sustain that,” the statement reads.

Perhaps this is the beginning of a dynasty.