Texas Rangers: Top Chris Woodward replacements who can capitalize on talent

Mike Shildt could be a candidate for manager

Shildt was fired from his position as manager of the St. Louis Cardinals due to “philosophical differences” after the 2021 season ended. He is now a player development consultant with the San Diego Padres and has said he’s ready to manage again. He was a rumored candidate for several jobs after his dismissal from the Cardinals.

Shildt has a good eye for developing young talent while working with established presences making him a prime candidate for Young and the Rangers this offseason. Shildt was rumored to have butted heads with Cardinals hitting coach Jeff Albert, who is big on implementing analytics into his coach style.

The Rangers are already amid some significant changes that will include new philosophical approaches. It’s rough, but the reason Shildt was let go from the Cardinals may keep him from a job with the Rangers. Shildt was a winner throughout his time in the Cardinals organization, though. Shildt could be ready to adapt and take on this new intriguing challenge with the Rangers.

Could Joe Maddon shake it off and rebound for the Rangers

Maddon has experience leading the Tampa Bay Rays to contention, and who could forget his leadership of the Chicago Cubs to their first World Series win in over 100 years? However, Maddon didn’t have much luck with the Los Angeles Angels, failing to significantly lead a team with two of baseball’s best athletes, Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani.

Maddon was fired in June by the Angels during a 12-game losing streak. That said, does Maddon have it in him to manage again? Were the talents too immense in Anaheim, or does having a team with Corey Seager, Marcus Semien, and lots of young talent appeal to Maddon?

If Maddon’s hiatus leads to a rejuvenated spirit, he could be an intriguing candidate for the Rangers. Given his experience leading the Rays and Cubs to success, this seems like what the Rangers may be looking for in a manager.

Could Joe Espada finally get a managerial post?

Espada is an intriguing option for many managerial openings. At 46, Espada has several seasons under his belt in the coaching ranks.

Espada interviewed for the Rangers managerial position in 2018 when Woodward ultimately got the position. Espada, a native of Puerto Rico, is the bench coach for the Houston Astros, where he has been since 2017.

Before working with the Astros, Espada coached in the Miami Marlins system and the New York Yankees, where he also served as a special assistant to general manager Brian Cashman. He coached the Puerto Rican national team in the World Baseball Classic in 2013.

Espada’s diverse experience could be more intriguing to the Rangers now as they have a new path paved with winning championships as the ultimate goal. Having worked with different baseball minds throughout his career, most recently with Dusty Baker, it would be fun to see what he could bring in terms of leadership to this young team grasping for leadership that will lead to a culture of winning for seasons to come.