The Texas Rangers have already began making decisions this week. Bench coach Don Wakamatsu and hitting coach Luis Ortiz have been let go by the organization. The team has been less than stellar at the plate under Ortiz coaching. Wakamatsu wasn’t going to be here forever. This is just the beginning of the changes coming in my opinion .
Today RHP Mike Foltynewicz, RHP Hunter Wood and OF Jason Martin cleared waivers and all elected to take free agency. Folty had a dreadful season, going 2-12 with a 5.44 ERA. He gave up a ton of long balls as well. The second most in the majors (35) behind Jordan Lyles (38). Wood has been on the IL and Martin hopefully did enough to get on with another team. The 40 man roster is down to 38.
During our talk with Jeff Wilson on the latest podcast, he believes that the rest of the coaching staff will most likely stay as is, unless the new hitting coach wants to let a few of his people go. Both Brock Holt and Charlie Culberson are free agents. I really don’t see either of them returning. There will also be more players released before all is said and done.
The Rangers say they are going to spend money this offseason, it will be interesting to see if that is just talk or if they actually do spend any cash. I am positive that Chris Young and Jon Daniels want to spend money, but, it’s not their money. That decision lies with the ownership group.
