Texas Rangers Hire Skip Schumaker as Manager, Coaching Staff Decisions on the Horizon
The Texas Rangers have officially initiated their offseason agenda by hiring Skip Schumaker as their new manager, stepping in to replace Bruce Bochy. This marks a significant shift for the organization, but the next pressing matter is the future of the coaching staff.
Evaluating the Current Coaching Staff
During a recent end-of-year press conference, Chris Young, the president of baseball operations, expressed admiration for the coaches currently in place. The pitching staff stood out as one of the finest in Major League Baseball, and the team’s defense was lauded as the best in the game. However, Young did acknowledge that the offense faced challenges throughout the season.
“We do believe that everyone is in good standing, and our hope is that a number of them will be back, if not all,” Young stated, signaling a desire for continuity in the coaching ranks. With Schumaker’s contract as a special assistant set to end in late October, the timing aligns with the contracts of the other coaches, providing the Rangers with ample opportunity to evaluate their options.
Pitching Coaches Under Scrutiny
The Rangers’ pitching coaches have drawn particular praise. Mike Maddux, along with assistant coaches Dave Bush and Jordan Tiegs, have played crucial roles in guiding a staff that led the league in ERA. Young emphasized the importance of the relationship between a manager and a pitching coach, noting that Maddux, who has an impressive legacy in coaching, quickly established a strong rapport with Bochy.
At 64 years old, Maddux has hinted at retirement in the past, yet Young plans to reach out to him first following Schumaker’s hire. If Maddux decides to stay, it’s likely that Bush and Tiegs will return as well—unless they receive enticing offers elsewhere.
Navigating the Hitting Coaches’ Future
The status of the hitting coaches remains less certain. Bret Boone, who joined the team in May after the dismissal of offensive coordinator Donnie Ecker, is still adjusting to his new role. Although the Rangers saw improvements in their batting numbers post-June, the early struggles may prompt a reevaluation of the hitting approach.
Young has indicated a desire for hitters to work on multiple aspects of their game during the offseason, rather than focusing solely on one area. This philosophy will play a significant role in determining the future of Boone and his staff.
The Rest of the Coaching Staff
The remaining coaching staff features several well-regarded members, including Luis Urueta (bench), Corey Ragsdale (first base), Tony Beasley (third base), Brett Hayes (quality control), Bobby Wilson (catching), Chase Casali (bullpen catcher), and Alejandro Martinez (bullpen coach).
Urueta, who previously worked with Schumaker in Miami, is likely to retain his position, especially after serving as interim manager when Schumaker departed. Ragsdale, Beasley, and Wilson are also respected within the organization and have contributed to the Rangers’ defensive success, which set a franchise record for fielding percentage. However, Schumaker may choose to bring in his own coaches for these roles, leading to potential changes.
As the Rangers navigate these coaching decisions, the focus will be on building a cohesive staff that can elevate the team’s performance in the upcoming season.
