The Texas Rangers went from posting the American League's worst record to winning the AL West in the span of one season thanks in large part to a surprising offensive surge.
Yet the team announced, per the Associated Press, that it had mutually parted ways with hitting coach Dave Magadan on Friday, a day of coaching moves that also included the resignation of bullpen coach Andy Hawkins.
The team also announced that third base coach Tony Beasley, bench coach Steve Buechele, assistant hitting coach Bobby Jones, pitching coach Mike Maddux, first base coach Hector Ortiz and field coordinator Jayce Tingler will all return.
Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times tweeted that Magadan is unlikely to remain on the market for long:
The Tampa Bay Rays would be a good option for Magadan, should the team move on from hitting coach Derek Shelton. The Rays were the second-worst team in the AL (ahead of only the Chicago White Sox) in scoring, and Shelton didn't join former manager Joe Maddon when he took over the Chicago Cubs.
Magadan indicated, per Stephen Hawkins of the AP, that he's seeking opportunities closer to his home in Florida.
Another good fit could be the Atlanta Braves, who expressed interest in Magadan prior to the season before eventually hiring Kevin Seitzer as their hitting coach. The Braves ranked dead last in scoring by 40 runs in 2015, and coaching changes could be coming after a second-half collapse.
Magadan, 53, was hired away from the Boston Red Sox after the 2012 season. During his six seasons in Boston, the Red Sox topped the majors in pitches per plate appearance (3.94) while totaling the second-best OPS (.791) in the majors, according to WEEI.com.
The Rangers blew a 2-0 lead in the AL Division Series against the Toronto Blue Jays, culminating with a 6-3 loss in Game 5 on Wednesday.
However, no one expected the Rangers to reach the postseason, let alone win the division. With a strong rotation returning and second-year manager Jeff Banister leading a confident clubhouse, Texas should be back in the postseason next year.
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