The Rangers signed manager Chris Woodward to a contract extension that covers the 2023 season along with a club option for the 2024 campaign, the club announced on Friday.
“We’re excited to continue our partnership with Woody, and we are all committed to a shared vision for the direction of the ballclub,” said Rangers president of baseball operations Jon Daniels. “He has helped to lay the foundation of our culture here at the Rangers, and we feel confident in his leadership abilities moving forward.”
Woodward, 45, will be in his fourth season at the helm in 2022. His 384 games as Texas manager from 2019-21 are already sixth-most in club history, trailing only Ron Washington (1275 from 2007-14), Bobby Valentine (1186 from 1985-92), Johnny Oates (983 from 1995-2001), Buck Showalter (648 from 2003-06), and Jeff Banister (638 from 2015-18). Woodward has compiled a 160-224 career record since being appointed as the 19th full-time manager in Rangers history on November 3, 2018, his first position as a Major League manager.
“After seeing Woody’s passion and consistency first-hand over the last year, extending our partnership is an easy decision,” said Rangers executive vice president and general manager Chris Young. “I look forward to continuing our shared commitment to improving the club.”
Woodward’s club option for the 2022 season was formally picked up on March 24, 2021. He originally received a three-year contract covering the 2019-21 seasons with a club option for 2022.
The former infielder spent all or parts of 12 seasons in his Major League playing career with Toronto (1999-2004, 2011), the New York Mets (2005-06), Atlanta (2007), Seattle (2009-10), and Boston (2010). He previously held Major League coaching roles with Seattle (2013-15) and Los Angeles-NL (2016-18).