The Texas Rangers have shockingly parted ways with manager Chris Woodward. Woodward took over the reins in 2019 after Jeff Bannister was let go following back-to-back disappointing seasons in 2017 and 2018. In his nearly four-year stint as the Rangers skipper, Woody guided the team to an overall 211 – 287 record (.424 W-L%), which includes the 51 – 63 (.447 W-L%) record this season.
Chris Woodward inherited a poor team
To be fair, when he came to Arlington, Woodward inherited a team that wasn’t good and a front office that had yet to fully embrace the rebuild. Fast forward to now, and the Rangers appear to be on the backside of the rebuild and are looking to make a strong push for the playoffs beginning next season.
Texas Rangers part ways with manager Chris Woodward; Tony Beasley replaces him
Many casual fans and national media alike have laughed at the organization for going out and signing both Corey Seagar and Marcus Semien to over $500MM worth of contracts last offseason, only to flounder yet again in the standings. The club obviously wanted to win this year, but with the pitching staff that has been in Arlington, there is no way to think that winning more than we have was actually going to happen. The 2023 season has been the target for quite some time, with 2024 being perhaps an even more realistic playoff timetable.
From a fan’s perspective, this is an exciting day. It is a time to look forward and spitball who the next manager might be and what the 2023 season will bring. From a human standpoint, it is both sad and exciting. On the one hand, Chris Woodward wasn’t a bad guy at all, and was not a terrible manager by any stretch. GM Chris Young, however, felt like a new voice is needed going forward and to push the team to greater outcomes in the future, and I can’t disagree.
Tony Beasley becoming interim manager for the remainder of 2022 season
On a positive human note, it has also been announced today that third-base coach Tony Beasley (he has held that position with the club since 2015) will be the interim manager for the remainder of the season. Anybody that follows the Rangers knows that Beasley is not only a great baseball guy but a great human. His positive demeanor is infectious and is sure to influence the young club even more than before with his new leadership role.
Who will be the Texas Rangers manager in 2023 is yet to be determined and is a question to be discussed at length. You can be assured, that this front office will hire someone that they feel can get the Rangers to the playoffs and make a push for that ever-elusive World Series championship.
But before we start those conversations, let’s tip our hat to Chris Woodward one last time, and say thank you for managing our team through a tough patch and helping get our young guys ready for the future.
Thanks again Woody, we wish you all the best.
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