The Los Angeles Dodgers coaching staff has enjoyed a relatively high level of continuity under manager Dave Roberts, but among the changes early into his tenure was Chris Woodward leaving the organization after the 2018 season.
Woodward spent three years on Roberts’ staff as third base coach and infield coach before he was hired as Texas Rangers manager. Prior to that point, Woodward had interviewed with the New York Yankees as part of their managerial search that ended with hiring Aaron Boone.
Woodward remained Rangers manager into the 2022 season, when he was fired that August as the team had a 51-63.
With the Dodgers playing at Globe Life Field this weekend to start their road trip, Woodward said he is excited to see some of his former coworkers, per Jack Harris of the L.A. Times:
“I’m looking forward to seeing a lot of people … just the whole staff, the assistant trainers, just people I haven’t seen,” he added. “But I don’t know if it’s something that’s on my bucket list to go back and do.”
Woodward added he doesn’t hold any resentment or ill will toward the Rangers despite his firing:
“I don’t have any regrets or any bad feelings toward anything,” he said. “Obviously, there were some disagreements that led to me not being there anymore. But I have nothing but respect for everybody. I don’t hold a grudge. Life’s too short, man. Honestly, I take that experience as a really positive thing.”
Texas went on to win the World Series in 2023 during Bruce Bochy’s first season as manager. Rather than be bitter, Woodward viewed that accomplishment as a positive for his managerial tenure as well:
“Those four years, I was really proud of, when I left,” he said. “[The club] was in a much better spot internally, all the way from the staff to the front office to the sports science to all the different things that we did … Everything was in line. And they won. Proud of that.”
Woodward became Rangers manager with plenty of fanfare from the Dodgers over the impact he had while with the organization.
“We are excited to welcome Chris Woodward and his family to the Texas Rangers,” said Jon Daniels, who was Rangers president of baseball operations and general manager at the time Woodward was hired as manager.
“Chris brings high energy, outstanding leadership and communication skills, a strong knowledge of the game and its evolving strategies, and great integrity-attributes that we feel are vital for our next manager.
“We believe these traits will resonate with our players, our staff, and our fans. He has also been a big part of a very successful stretch in Los Angeles. We interviewed a number of strong candidates during an extensive interview process for our managerial role and believe we have found the right fit in Chris Woodward.
“We look forward to working with him and everyone on the baseball staff to develop and grow a culture that will lead to success for many years to come.”
Woodward went 211-287 over parts of four seasons as Rangers manager. Included in that stretch was a COVID-shortened season, and the Rangers never finishing above .500.
They got off to a strong start in Woodward’s first season before fading and finishing with a 78-84 record.
Chris Woodward’s role with Dodgers
Woodward initially returned to the Dodgers organization in a special assistant role in January 2023. He then was added back onto Roberts’ staff this season as first base coach.
Woodward’s duties also include working as an infield coaching specialist.
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