Texas Rangers fire manager Chris Woodward due to unsatisfactory progress after spending over $500m on Corey Seager and Marcus Semien
- Chris Woodward leaves Rangers with a 51-63 season-to-date record
- But Woodward oversaw a whopping $500 million spend for the team’s roster
- The two signings of Corey Seager and Marcus Semien raised expectations
The Texas Rangers fired manager Chris Woodward on Monday, unhappy with the process the team has undertaken after spending over $500 million.
The Rangers are third in the AL West standings in the American League with a 51-63 record, 24 behind leaders Houston Astros.
The two signings of Corey Seager and Marcus Semien raised expectations – their contracts totaled over $500 million and Seager’s deal is around $325 million after coming off the Dodgers.
The Texas Rangers fired manager Chris Woodward on Monday after nearly four years in the role
The arrival of Cory Seager from the Dodgers on a $325 million contract raised expectations in Texas
They’ve beaten the Mariners in the last two games, but it wasn’t enough for Woodward to stay in the role.
Tony Beasley has replaced Woodward as interim manager for the remainder of the season, beginning with Monday’s game against Oakland.
Woodward leaves the company with a record of 211-287 since taking over as manager in November 2018.
“Chris Young and I had the very difficult task of notifying Chris Woodward of our decision today,” said Jon Daniels, Rangers’ president of baseball operations.
“During his tenure as Rangers manager, Chris has worked tirelessly under sometimes difficult circumstances. He was dedicated and passionate in his efforts to improve the Texas Rangers’ performance on the field and that is greatly appreciated. He represented the organization with class and dignity.
Marcus Semien’s arrival, along with Seager, cost Rangers more than $500 million
Woodward leaves the company with a record of 211-287 since taking over as manager in November 2018
“We have had extensive discussions over the last few weeks and while the team’s current performance certainly plays a big part in this decision, we also look to the future.
“As Rangers continue to develop a winning culture and put the pieces together to battle for the postseason year after year, we felt a leadership change was necessary at that point.
“On behalf of the entire Texas Rangers organization, we thank Chris and wish him and his family well.”