The Texas Rangers have officially announced that Bruce Bochy will not return as manager in 2026, following the conclusion of his three-year contract at the end of the current MLB season. This news has led to considerable speculation regarding who will succeed him in the role. During the Rangers’ end-of-season press conference, President of Baseball Operations Chris Young hinted that the organization has not yet talked with external candidates about the managerial position. Notably, former Miami Marlins manager Skip Schumaker appears to be the leading candidate for the role.
Skip Schumaker, 45, enjoyed an 11-year playing career in Major League Baseball before transitioning into coaching. After retiring as a player, he quickly climbed the coaching ranks, starting as a first base coach for the San Diego Padres and later serving as associate manager and bench coach. His managerial stint with the Marlins in 2023 was particularly impressive, leading the team to an 84-78 record and earning him the National League Manager of the Year award, despite their quick exit from the playoffs at the hands of the Philadelphia Phillies.
However, the 2024 season was challenging for Schumaker and the Marlins. The team underwent a significant overhaul, trading key players like Luis Arraez and ultimately parting ways with Schumaker after he voluntarily voided his 2025 club option, reportedly due to dissatisfaction with the front office’s decision-making. This culminated in the hiring of Clayton McCullough as the new Marlins manager.
Now with a year under his belt as a senior advisor in the Rangers’ operations, Schumaker has familiarized himself with the team’s dynamics and built strong relationships with Young, General Manager Ross Fenstermaker, and other staff members. This experience positions him as a strong internal candidate for the managerial role, especially given the team’s current focus on him rather than exploring outside options.
If the Rangers decide to promote Schumaker to manager, the 2026 season would mark his third year at the helm in the major leagues, with a managerial record of 146-178 so far. While the performance in Miami was impacted by various external factors, Schumaker’s potential leadership could represent a new chapter for the Rangers as they look to build on their successes in the upcoming seasons.