Rangers Elevate Bret Boone to Hitting Coach: What This Means for the Team’s Offense

The Texas Rangers have brought in Bret Boone, a former MLB player, as their new hitting coach. Boone, a three-time All-Star, takes over after the firing of offensive coordinator Donnie Ecker. His contract extends through the end of the 2025 season, with a plan for reassessment afterward.

In more team updates, the Rangers are set to recall outfielder Evan Carter from Triple-A Round Rock ahead of their game against the Red Sox. Boone shared on his podcast that this opportunity came unexpectedly while visiting his alma mater, USC. During a casual chat with Michael Young, a former Ranger, Boone was later contacted by manager Bruce Bochy about the coaching role. It didn’t take long for Boone to decide to accept, especially since he values his friendship with Bochy.

Boone’s primary challenge will be improving a struggling offense. This season, the Rangers have posted disappointing stats with a team batting average of .228 and a dreadful wRC+ of 83, which puts them 25th in the league. Their walk rate is particularly concerning, ranking them near the bottom among major league teams.

This downturn isn’t new for the Rangers. Last season, they saw a similar drop in performance, prompting significant roster changes. Notable moves included trading Nathaniel Lowe and acquiring Jake Burger and Joc Pederson. However, many of these additions have not produced as expected. Pederson, for example, has been the least effective hitter in baseball based on current plate appearances.

Boone isn’t the only new addition to the coaching staff. Justin Viele was brought in earlier from the Giants for a fresh perspective. Together with assistant hitting coach Seth Conner, Boone aims to revitalize the struggling lineup. The Rangers currently sit in fourth place in their division, four games behind the first-place Mariners.

Evan Carter, the young outfielder being recalled, had a promising start last season but faced challenges due to injuries this year. At just 22, he’s shown some improvement in Triple-A, hitting .221 with three home runs, but his performance raises questions. Given the struggles of other hitters like Leody Taveras, who has underwhelmed at the plate, Carter’s return could be timely for the Rangers.

With Boone’s experience and the fresh talent coming up, many fans hope this marks the beginning of a turnaround for a team looking to regain its competitive edge. For more insights on the Rangers’ coaching decisions, check out this article from the Dallas Morning News.

Source link

bret boone,evan carter