The Texas Rangers fired offensive coordinator Donnie Ecker on Sunday, the team announced, after an extended period of low run production. The move follows a series win against the Seattle Mariners that concluded with an 8-1 victory.
Despite the high-scoring Sunday win, the Rangers currently rank near the bottom of Major League Baseball in runs scored this season. This poor performance prompted the organizational decision to make a change to the coaching staff responsible for the offense.
“After lengthy discussions and deliberations, we feel now is the appropriate time to provide our hitters with a new voice as we pursue goals of winning the division and reaching the postseason,” General Manager Chris Young said in a statement regarding the decision to part ways with Ecker.
Young also recognized Ecker's contributions during his tenure, noting his role in the club’s World Series championship in 2023. Ecker was hired in November 2001 as bench coach and offensive coordinator, serving in those roles through 2024 before shifting focus solely to the offense this season.
In addition to the coaching change, the Texas Rangers placed center fielder Leody Taveras on outright waivers Sunday. The 26-year-old has struggled at the plate this season and recently saw his playing time decrease, with Dustin Harris and Kevin Pillar receiving more opportunities.
Teams can claim Taveras by agreeing to take on the remainder of his $4.75 million salary for this season. The Rangers had reportedly attempted to trade him earlier but found no teams willing to acquire him in exchange for prospects while also assuming the contract.
Placing Taveras on waivers could provide financial relief for the Rangers, who are operating near the luxury tax threshold. Should he clear waivers, Taveras could be sent to Triple-A Round Rock, or he could elect free agency, which would mean forfeiting his remaining salary. Confirmation of the waiver placement was reported Sunday.
The team’s recent offensive output has been inconsistent. Before the Sunday win over Seattle (TEX 8, SEA 1), the Rangers had scored two runs or fewer in many of their prior games. Only a few teams across baseball have scored four or more runs in fewer games than the Rangers this season.
Despite the offensive challenges, the team held a 17-18 record entering play Monday. Young indicated the changes were made to address performance proactively before the team falls further behind in the standings.
"My hope is that soon, all of our guys are at their best together," Young stated previously (via MLB.com). "If that happens, then we're a great team. But the reality is that we're not right now, so we have to start trying to effect change in a way that we can get a winning team out on the field."
