The Texas Rangers made big news by hiring Skip Schumaker as their new manager. This decision came just after the team’s end-of-season press conference, where operations president Chris Young and GM Ross Fenstermaker shared insights into the team’s plans.
Young mentioned they weren’t looking externally for a new manager and had a top internal candidate in mind. Schumaker, the senior advisor, was a natural fit to take over from Bruce Bochy, who isn’t returning for 2026.
Schumaker brings a familiarity that could lead to stability within the coaching staff. Young indicated they’re open to keeping the current coaches, but Schumaker will have input on his team for next season. Specifically, the Rangers want to retain Mike Maddux as pitching coach, given the team’s impressive pitching performance. In 2025, the Rangers led Major League Baseball with a 3.41 rotation ERA and a 3.49 overall ERA. That’s no small feat!
Unfortunately, a lackluster offense held the team back, resulting in an even 81-81 record. According to Young, the offensive struggles stemmed from a shift in coaching strategies. Hitting coach Bret Boone, who joined in May after the previous coach was let go, emphasized a more traditional approach. Instead of focusing solely on launch angles, Boone prioritized making solid contact and executing plays.
This new strategy will aim at finding players with strong on-base skills and the ability to make contact, setting the stage for potential new signings.
Young believes that a full offseason under Boone will be beneficial. He explained that the players need time to adjust to new strategies and training regimens, rather than making changes on the fly mid-season. “We’ll ask them to do different things,” he said, underscoring the importance of a cohesive team effort.
In terms of player health, several Rangers are set to have normal offseasons. Key players like Corey Seager, Marcus Semien, and Evan Carter should be ready for Spring Training. However, Nathan Eovaldi’s situation is more complex. He might need surgery for a sports hernia, which could impact his training schedule; recovery typically takes 6-12 weeks. Despite injuries limiting his 2025 season to 130 innings, Eovaldi posted a remarkable 1.73 ERA, highlighting his talent when healthy.
Cody Bradford is also making strides in recovery after an internal brace procedure. Although initially expected to miss a significant amount of time, he’s likely to participate in Spring Training, showing positive progress.
Overall, the Rangers are looking toward a promising future with a solid managerial choice and a refresh of strategies. As the offseason unfolds, fans and analysts alike will be watching how these changes take shape.
For more detailed statistics about player performance and health trends, you can explore resources from Major League Baseball MLB Stats.
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