New reports confirm that the Texas Rangers are intensifying their search for a new manager, with a strong focus on Skip Schumaker, the 2023 NL Manager of the Year. This urgent update comes as Rangers president of baseball operations Chris Young announced that Schumaker is the leading internal candidate to succeed Bruce Bochy, who recently concluded his contract with the team.
In a statement made just yesterday, Young revealed, “We have a lead candidate internally that we’re focused on,” indicating that the formal interview process for Schumaker is already underway. Notably, Young emphasized that there are currently no external candidates being considered, stating, “Our hope is that we don’t have to.”
Schumaker, who served as a special adviser for the Rangers, previously led the Miami Marlins to an impressive 84-78 record in 2023, marking the franchise’s fourth postseason appearance. The Rangers, meanwhile, celebrated their first World Series championship under Bochy during the same season. However, Bochy’s tenure ended after Texas recorded a disappointing 81-81 finish this year, prompting the management to seek new leadership.
The urgency of this situation is compounded by the fact that seven other major league teams are also in search of new managers. Young did not disclose whether any of those teams have requested permission to interview Schumaker, but he expressed confidence, saying, “I’m not overly concerned at this point.”
Before his successful stint with the Marlins, Schumaker was the bench coach for the St. Louis Cardinals, contributing to their World Series victory in 2011 against the Rangers. His extensive experience in both playing and coaching roles positions him as a formidable candidate for the Rangers’ managerial position.
Rangers general manager Ross Fenstermaker praised Schumaker’s involvement, noting, “He’d spend time with us and many different folks in the front office, adding his perspective and wisdom.” Fenstermaker highlighted that Schumaker was frequently consulted, often on a daily basis, throughout the past year.
As the Rangers move swiftly to finalize their managerial decision, Bochy has been offered an advisory role within the organization. His illustrious career, which includes 2,252 wins—the sixth-most among all managers—has left an indelible mark on the franchise. However, he is not in contention for the managerial opening with the San Francisco Giants, the team he led to three World Series titles from 2010 to 2014.
The urgency of the Rangers’ decision cannot be understated, as fans and analysts alike are eager to see who will take the helm as the team prepares for the upcoming season. Keep an eye on this developing story as the Rangers aim to solidify their future leadership.
