Dodgers: Rangers Fire Manager Who Was a ‘Huge’ Factor in Recruiting Corey Seager

As the MLB playoff picture comes into focus in the second to last month of the regular season, organizations no where near to contending must make some big decisions. For the hapless Detroit Tigers, that decision was firing general manager Al Avila. For the struggling Texas Rangers, that decision was axing manager Chris Woodward.

ESPN’s Jeff Passan was one of the first to break the news that Woodward, who served as the Dodgers third base coach from 2016-2018, was cut loose from the Rangers.

The Texas Rangers have fired manager Chris Woodward, sources tell ESPN. News on the move and the particulars, including Texas' historically bad record in one-run games, free at ESPN: https://t.co/ADO3GajPVd@Evan_P_Grant was first to report Woodward was out.

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) August 15, 2022

Woodward, who was hired to run the show in Texas prior to the 2019 season, had recently signed an extension through 2023 that included an option for 2024 so the move is a bit of a surprise. The Rangers currently own a 51-63 record and are nine and a half games out of the last AL wild card spot.

Woodward compiled a 211-287 record during his four-season tenure in Texas. Granted, the Rangers were rebuilding in 2020 and 2021, but after spending a small fortune on Marcus Semien and Corey Seager this offseason, coupled with the expanded playoffs, it appears the Texas front office had significantly raised their expectations for this season.

The Rangers decision to fire their manager is noteworthy in of itself. Then, throw in the fact that Seager previously admitting that Woodward was a “huge” reason he signed with the Rangers.

“We’re trending upwards. Woody [Chris Woodward] was a huge part of my decision. Knowing how he is, knowing how he approaches the game, knowing how I am and how I approach the game. The stars aligned.”

It could all add up to a very unhappy Corey Seager who’s under contract for nine more years in Texas.

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