2024 Texas Rangers Season in Review: Matt Duffy

With the conclusion of the 2024 regular season, it’s time to reflect on the players who suited up for the Texas Rangers this year.

Today’s focus: infielder Matt Duffy.

Now, I know what you’re thinking.

You’re thinking, “Nice try, but it’s not April Fools’ Day yet—I know Matt Duffy didn’t play for the Rangers in 2024.”

But surprise—he did! Duffy was called up for the final two series of the season, starting a couple of games and making late-game appearances in others. In his brief stint, he posted a .286/.500/.286 slash line across 10 plate appearances.

Duffy had previously been a non-roster invitee (NRI) twice for the Rangers, first in 2020—when he was released just before the season—and again in 2023. After either being released or opting out of camp, he re-signed and spent the year with Triple-A Round Rock, playing second and third base but struggling offensively.

His late-season call-up likely served as a reward for his perseverance throughout the year. At 33 years old, with several major league seasons behind him, spending the entire season in the minors couldn’t have been easy.

Constructing a Triple-A roster presents a challenge, as it includes both young prospects aiming for their first shot in the majors and veteran players trying to revive their careers. Having too many players who believe they belong in the big leagues can create a tense clubhouse atmosphere, which is something teams try to avoid for the sake of developing younger talent.

Duffy’s career highlight came in 2015 when he finished second in National League Rookie of the Year voting—behind unanimous winner Kris Bryant and ahead of Jung Ho Kang, Noah Syndergaard, and others. Later, he was traded to the Tampa Bay Rays in a deal for future Rangers pitcher Matt Moore.

Looking ahead, Duffy is likely to be the most overlooked player in a 2024 Texas Rangers trivia quiz. Many fans won’t recall his brief late-season appearance, and those who do enter “Duffy” might actually be thinking of pitcher Danny Duffy, who spent time in the Rangers’ minor league system without ever making it back to the majors.

As of now, Duffy remains unsigned, and his career may be at its end. If so, his final major league plate appearance came as a member of the Texas Rangers.