The Los Angeles Dodgers coaching staff has enjoyed plenty of continuity under manager Dave Roberts, but Chris Woodward was part of change over a two-year period.
After working as Dodgers third base coach from 2016-2018, Woodward was hired by the Texas Rangers to become their new manager. He credited the “forward-thinking” Dodgers organization for helping him prepare to become a Major League manager, and regularly spoke highly of his time in Los Angeles.
Unfortunately for Woodward, his tenure as Rangers manager didn’t amount to success and he was fired last August. Woodward went 211-287 over parts of four seasons as Rangers manager and never finished above .500.
Now the Covina, California native is returning to the Dodgers in a front office role that will include being a roving instructor to assist infielders, according to Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic:
The Dodgers are hiring former Texas Rangers manager Chris Woodward to serve as a special assistant in their front office, league sources told The Athletic on Friday.
Woodward will serve as a roving instructor, working with infielders throughout the Dodgers organization.
Prior to joining the Dodgers coaching staff, Woodward was the first base and infield coach for the Seattle Mariners during the 2014 and 2015 seasons. Woodward began his coaching career with the Mariners in 2013 as a Minor League infield coordinator.
Corey Seager and Justin Turner are among the infielders who raved about the impact Woodward had during his time on the Dodgers staff. Woodward also developed a relationship with Clayton Kershaw and attempted to recruit him to the Rangers during free agency.
“For me, he was one of the coaches I was closest with in terms of being an infield coach,” Turner said in 2018. “We knew last year when he took the interview with the Yankees that it was just a matter of time.
“And obviously, everything he brought to the table with us, especially defensively and leadership and conversations that we’ve had.”
When Seager signed a 10-year, $325 million contract with the Rangers in December 2021, he cited Woodward as being a key factor behind the decision.
Chris Woodward attended “Driving For Hope”
Whether a coincidence or sign of what was to come, Woodward attended Chris Taylor’s “Driving For Hope” charity event at Topgolf El Segundo last week.
Also on hand were Jaime Jarrín, Fernando Valenzuela, Gavin Lux, Freddie Freeman, Tony Gonsolin and various members of the Dodgers front office and foundation.
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