The Texas Rangers have extended the contract of manager Chris Woodward through the 2023 season with a club option through the 2024 season. 2023 will be Woodward’s fourth season at the helm of the club. General Manager Chris Young and president of baseball operations Jon Daniels praised Woody’s leadership ability in the clubhouse despite having yet to have a winning season. Daniels said “ We’re excited to continue our partnership with Woody, and we are all committed to a shared vision for the direction of the ballclub,” president of baseball operations Jon Daniels said in a statement within today’s press release. “He has helped to lay the foundation of our culture here at the Rangers, and we feel confident in his leadership abilities moving forward”.
Although Woodward has led the Rangers to just a 160 – 244 record in his first three seasons this is a great move by the ball club. Woodward has not really had much of any talent to work with. Trading away big club stars like Joey Gallo, Lance Lynn, and Mike Minor in his short three-year stint. Woody is no doubt the right leader for our ball club until proven otherwise. Woodward’s lack of success is all more than likely the reason for the short-term extension. Young and Daniels likely did not want to extend Woody until he has proven he can win.
This move is a bright one for the Rangers. With the ball club looking to succeed in 2022 and beyond it is almost certain that the front office can acquire some talent for Woodward to work with. Big-time prospects like Jack Leiter and Josh Jung will be accompanied by future free agent signings and will build a contender for years to come.
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