Texas Rangers found their guy in World Champion Bruce Bochy

After spending north of $500 million over the offseason the Texas Rangers expectations were heightened, last season. Newly acquired pieces Marcus Semien and Corey Seager were both solid additions to the team with Semien having a .733 OPS and Seager getting himself a .772 OPS and career high in home runs.

As we know, these performances alone were not enough to propel the Texas Rangers forward simply into playoff contention.

A culture change was required for the Texas Rangers because Chris Woodward’s tenure is often remembered for disappointment and complaining.

Chris Woodward’s tenure is often remembered for disappointment and complaining. Namely, his desire to revert to “old-school” baseball and follow the “unwritten rules.” A lot of talking and not a lot of action.

An ugly record of 15-35 in one run games is simply insurmountable when looking to legitimately compete. All of that amounted to a 203-278 over the course of three season and most importantly 0 playoff appearances.

The Texas Rangers have seemingly made the best possible hire for the 2022 season. Bochy has quite an incredible resume. Mostly known for his time with the San Francisco Giants from 2008-19 where he was able to win World Series titles in 2010, 2012, and 2014, one the most dominant periods in the MLB this century. Bochy is the only manager to win 900 games with two different teams as he was also with the Dodgers from 1995-2007.

OFFICIAL: Bruce Bochy has been named the 20th full-time manager in franchise history. pic.twitter.com/L0BohXvAPq
— Texas Rangers (@Rangers) October 21, 2022

Bochy brings experience that Woodward simply was unable to. The effect that a manager with the tenure of Bruce Bochy’s has on a clubhouse has the ability to completely shift a locker room. Example A would be Bob Melvin for the Padres who brought the them to the playoffs after full 162 for the first time since 2006 and they currently are playing in the NLCS.

General Manager Chris Young told the media,

"“With a calm and steady presence, he has a remarkable ability to connect and communicate with players, coaches, and staff, and his teams have always played with maximum effort. His knowledge of the game, as well as his integrity, is unmatched.”"

The Rangers lineup has a lot to build off of being top 10 in both Hard Hit% and Solid Contact%, but the pitching leaves a lot to be desired who struggled to throw strikes all season long. But with plenty of young arms waiting the in wings, the Texas Rangers have no reason not to gear up for a run at the postseason in 2023.

Texas Rangers GM Chris Young:As we went through the interview process, Bruce’s passion and excitement about returning to the dugout was very evident. It became clear he was the ideal individual to lead our club as we continue to build a championship culture here in Arlington.”
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) October 21, 2022

“If I was going to return to managing, it had to be the right situation, I strongly believe that to be the case with the Rangers,” said the three time World Series champ, “and I can’t wait to get started.”

There is reason to be optimistic, slowly building out the foundation for legitimate contender. They have their cornerstones in Marcus Semien and Corey Seager, excellent supplemental pieces in Nathaniel Lowe and Josh Jung. And now manager whose been there and done it multiple times.

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