Assessment of the Texas Rangers Run Differential (so far in 2025)

I recently participated in the May 2025 Storytelling with Data challenge, where the goal was to take an existing chart or visual in need of a makeover, rework it my way using Tableau, and then prompt ChatGPT to generate its version. The challenge was to compare both visuals, discern what works and what doesn’t, and refine the approach.

I chose to analyze the Texas Rangers’ 2025 season through 36 games, focusing on run differential—a key metric for evaluating overall team performance.

In my version, I used a dual-axis area/bar chart to visualize both game-level run differential and cumulative trends, splitting positive and negative values for clarity. I also included text labels to support easy scanning of individual game results.

For the AI-generated version, ChatGPT took an infographic-style approach, focusing on clarity and color-coded outcomes. While it lacked cumulative trends, it did provide an aesthetically engaging snapshot of the season.

Key Lessons Learned:
Clarity of Prompts: The importance of precise prompts when using AI tools. A clearer explanation of each visual element led to a more accurate rendering.

Heatmap Alternative: A heatmap could have been an interesting approach to highlight losses using color, though it would’ve lacked the traditional bar/line axis typically used to show negative values.

My Rangers’ Take:
Currently 4th in the AL West (as of 5/7), the Rangers’ season has been marked by offensive inconsistency. Despite a strong pitching staff with a 3.22 ERA, the lineup has struggled to back up the arms, leading to a negative run differential. Lots of season left, the bats will wake up!