Who is Chris Woodward?

Chris Woodward is the former manager of the Texas Rangers of Major League Baseball (MLB). The 46-year-old was fired on August 15, 2022, amid a season of dissatisfactory progress.

In November last year, Texas Rangers gave Woodward a contract extension that covered the 2023 season and included a 2024 option. He was hired after coaching stints with Seattle Mariners and Los Angeles Dodgers that followed a 12-year career as a utilityman.

Woodward’s three-year contract with Texas Rangers began with the 2019 season. 

Also Read | Texas Rangers fire Chris Woodward amid disappointing MLB season, Tony Beasley named interim

Woodward played in MLB for the Toronto Blue Jays, New York Mets, Atlanta Braves, Seattle Mariners, and Boston Red Sox, from 1999 through 2012.

He started his baseball career while attending Northview High School in Covina, California, and in Mt. San Antonio College. He was selected by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 54th round of the 1994 Major League Baseball draft. He made his major league debut on June 7, 1999, with an 8–2 loss to the New York Mets.

In 2005, Woodward signed with the New York Mets. However, he was not re-signed by the Mets the following year as he struggled with injuries.

In December 2006, Woodward agreed to a one-year deal with the Atlanta Braves, but had a huge down season.

In 2008, he signed several minor league contracts, including with the New York Yankees and the Milwaukee Brewers. He later became a free agent. 

Also Read | Who is Tony Beasley?

He signed a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training with the Seattle Mariners in 2009. He also signed several minor league contracts with the Toronto Blue Jays in 2011 and 2012.

Woodward became the Mariners’ infield coach in 2014 and served as the first base coach in 2015. However, he did not return for the 2016 season after manager Lloyd McClendon was fired.

In December 2015, he was named the third base coach for the Los Angeles Dodgers, with whom he was associated from the 2016 through 2018 seasons.

Woodward married Erin Woodward, a native of Aurora, Ontario, after meeting her for the first time while playing with the Toronto Blue Jays. The couple has three children together.