Many fans expected the Texas Rangers to rebound from last season’s offensive woes and resemble the potent lineup that powered their 2023 World Series title run. Early in the season, there were signs that the offense might return to form, especially as the team picked up wins. However, even during that stretch, the bats never quite clicked. Now, amid a 2-7 slump, the issue has come to a head, prompting significant changes.
The Rangers parted ways with offensive coordinator Donnie Ecker and have brought in a new presence to jumpstart the lineup. Former three-time All-Star second baseman —brother of Yankees manager Aaron Boone—will step in as the team’s hitting coach, according to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale. Boone brings a strong MLB résumé to the role, but his hiring also reflects a deep connection to the organization.
“Rangers manager Bruce Bochy has known him for decades, and he is a longtime friend of Phil Nevin, who played for Bochy and was a 2001 All-Star and former Angels manager,” Nightengale posted on X.
The Rangers need a jolt
Texas (17-18) currently sits near the bottom of the league in key offensive categories, ranking 27th in OPS (.644) and 25th in both batting average (.228) and slugging percentage (.359). It’s clear a new strategy at the plate is badly needed. While Bret Boone is stepping into coaching much later than his brother and has never served on an MLB staff before, his deep knowledge of hitting is unquestionable.
A fifth-round draft pick in 1990, Bret Boone made his biggest impact with the Seattle Mariners, earning two Silver Slugger Awards, leading the American League with 141 RBIs in 2001, and finishing his 14-year MLB career with a solid .266 batting average. His experience should prove valuable to the Rangers’ hitters, and his existing relationship with manager Bruce Bochy adds a layer of familiarity and trust.
Still, Boone’s influence will be limited if the team’s stars continue to underperform. Marcus Semien, a three-time All-Star, is struggling with a .182 average and a strikeout rate up nearly six percent from last season (20.3%). ALCS MVP Adolis García is hitting just .217 with four homers, while new addition Joc Pederson is below the Mendoza Line with only four extra-base hits, none of them home runs.
While Corey Seager’s return from injury should provide a boost, the Rangers can’t afford ongoing slumps from their key bats. Boone may not have a miracle solution, but his presence could help rebuild confidence and instill better habits in younger players. And after scoring eight runs against the AL West-leading Mariners on Sunday, Texas gives him a positive starting point as he steps into his new role.