Will Venable, an ex-outfielder in the big leagues, was named Wednesday associate manager to the staff of the new team. Texas Rangers Bruce Bochy is the manager
The Rangers didn’t immediately indicate what Venable’s responsibilities would be with the new title. He was the bench coach during the Boston Red Sox After three years, the two previous seasons have been completed. Chicago CubsThe coaching staff.
Bochy stated that Will is highly respected within the game and that he was happy to join the team as they prepare for the 2023 season. “Will has a lot of coaching experience since his playing days, which will be invaluable to me in our efforts to create a winning environment for Texas.”
This was the first major league addition since Bochy retired after a three-year stint as a retiree to become manager for the Rangers. They have lost six straight seasons. The pitching coach is the most important unfilled position.
The Rangers stated that co-pitching coaches Brendan Sagara and Doug Mathis would not be returning to their major league staff even before Bochy, three-time World Series champion manager, was hired.
All remaining full-time coaches were given the chance to return with roles yet to be decided. Tony Beasley was the long-serving third base coach, who served as interim manager for 48 games following the firing of Chris Woodward in mid-August.
The Rangers announced Venable’s hiring in a statement. They stated they were “continuing” to finalize their major league staff.
Chris Young, general manager, stated Tuesday that after All-Star left-hander Martin Pérez accepted a $19.65 million qualifying offer The Rangers were still searching for a pitching coach and wanted to keep their place.
Young stated, “We’re making significant progress there.” Young stated, “But at the moment, no, there are no announcements to be made.”
Venable was 40 years old when he was appointed to the Red Sox manager Alex Cora’s staff. He was also the Cubs’ first base coach in 2018 and 2019.
Venable was a big league player for nine seasons, hitting.249 with 81 homers in 967 games and 307 RBI. He was an outfielder for the San Diego Padres He played in 37 regular-season games from 2008 through August 2015. In Texas, he also participated in the American League Division Series for Texas’ AL West champion Rangers. He played his final game with the Rangers in August 2015. Los Angeles Dodgers In 2016.
San Diego selected Venable from Princeton in the seventh round. This was his second Ivy Leaguer ever to win first-team all-league honors in baseball and basketball. Young, a former big league pitcher and Rangers GM, was the other. He was drafted by San Diego in the seventh round of 2005. Young was a third round MLB pick from Princeton in 2000.