NEWS: Former Texas Rangers Head Coach Chris Woodward, Now with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Sends Message to Bruce Bochy
LOS ANGELES – In a heartfelt video released Monday, Chris Woodward, the former head coach of the Texas Rangers who joined the Los Angeles Dodgers’ staff this past offseason, reached out to his successor, Bruce Bochy, offering encouragement as Bochy embarks on his first full season at the Rangers’ helm.
Woodward, who managed the Rangers from 2019 through 2022 before accepting a bench coach role with the Dodgers, praised Bochy’s leadership and expressed confidence in his ability to guide Texas back to postseason contention.
> “Bruce, I’ve watched from afar as you’ve settled into Arlington,” Woodward said. “Your track record speaks for itself—three World Series titles, countless playoff runs. The Rangers are lucky to have a leader of your caliber, and I know you’ll bring that big‑game experience to this clubhouse.”
Bochy, who took over the Rangers late last year after a storied 24-year managerial career with the San Francisco Giants, responded on social media, thanking Woodward for his support.
> “Chris and I share the same passion for developing players and winning the right way,” Bochy wrote. “His message means a lot, and I look forward to seeing him in Dodger blue this season.”
During his tenure in Texas, Woodward led the Rangers to a surprising playoff berth in 2021, their first since 2016, before the team regressed in 2022. Despite the ups and downs, Woodward earned praise for his player‑first approach and his ability to foster strong clubhouse chemistry.
Now on the Dodgers’ bench under manager Dave Roberts, Woodward has shifted gears from leading a rebuilding club to helping steer one of baseball’s perennial powerhouses. His new role has afforded him the opportunity to study one of the game’s most talented rosters and absorb fresh strategic philosophies.
In his message to Bochy, Woodward highlighted three key areas where he believes they align: communication, preparation, and trust.
> “Whether it’s a rookie learning the signs or a veteran adjusting to a new role, clear communication is everything. The preparation you bring—your attention to detail in spring training and beyond—is second to none. And trust… that’s what turns a collection of athletes into a championship team.”
Rangers general manager Chris Young welcomed the camaraderie between his current manager and Woodward, noting that it underscores a culture of mutual respect across the sport.
> “Baseball has a way of bringing people together,” Young said. “We appreciate Chris’s kind words, and we’re excited to see what Bruce and this group can accomplish in 2025.”
As the Dodgers and Rangers prepare to face off interleague later this summer, fans can expect a warm reunion between the two former Texas skippers—and perhaps a few more nuggets of advice from Woodward to Bochy along the way.