Bruce Bochy is coming out of retirement to manage the Texas Rangers.
Bochy, 67, managed the Giants from 2007 to 2019. In that span, he led the group to three World Series championships and is revered for his cool leadership style and bullpen decision tact.
The Rangers announced a three-year deal with Bochy that will have him under contract for the 2023, 2024 and 2025 seasons.
“I am incredibly excited to be joining the Texas Rangers,” Bochy said in a press release. “Over the last several days, I’ve had extensive conversations with (general manager) Chris Young and other individuals in the organization, and I had the chance to meet with (owner) Ray Davis. Their vision and commitment to putting together a club that can contend and win year in and year out is impressive, and I became convinced I want to be a part of that.”
Bochy won the 1996 National League Manager of the Year award. He and Rangers GM Chris Young are known to have a close relationship; Young pitched for Bochy’s Padres in 2006.
In 13 seasons as Giants manager, Bochy amassed a 1,052-1,054 record. In his 25 seasons overall, he has a similar .497 winning percentage. He retired after the 2019 season; Gabe Kapler was named his successor.
The Rangers made splashes last winter by signing infielders Marcus Semien and Corey Seager to massive contracts, but went 68-94 and finished fourth in the American League West.
“If I was going to return to managing, it had to be the right situation,” Bochy said in the release. “I strongly believe that to be the case with the Rangers, and I can’t wait to get started.”