New Rangers Manager Schumaker Focuses on Culture Change in First Camp

Schumaker aims to build a more welcoming environment for players and coaches in Texas.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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In his first day with the Texas Rangers, new manager Skip Schumaker chose to make his initial impression by listening rather than lecturing. Schumaker wanted his coaches, especially new pitching coach Jordan Tiegs, to take the lead in addressing the pitchers and catchers, believing that creating a culture of open communication and alignment between players and staff is key to building a winning team. Schumaker plans to be more intentional and welcoming when he addresses the full team later in the week, as he believes words have little meaning if nobody is listening.

Why it matters

The Rangers hired Schumaker with the expectation that he would bring a more proactive managerial style compared to his predecessor, Bruce Bochy. However, Schumaker's initial approach of empowering his coaches and fostering open communication suggests he understands that changing a team's culture requires more than just vocal leadership. By prioritizing relationships and making his staff and players feel comfortable approaching him, Schumaker is laying the groundwork for a more collaborative environment that could pay dividends on the field.

The details

On his first day with the team, Schumaker chose to let new pitching coach Jordan Tiegs take the lead in addressing the pitchers and catchers, rather than delivering a fiery welcome speech himself. Schumaker wants his coaches to be heard and empowered, believing that players need to feel comfortable approaching the staff. He had already stressed the importance of creating a welcoming environment to his coaching group earlier that morning. Schumaker plans to be more intentional and welcoming when he addresses the full team later in the week, as he believes words have little meaning if nobody is listening.

  • Schumaker was hired as the Rangers' new manager in October 2025.
  • The Rangers' pitchers and catchers reported to spring training on February 10, 2026.

The players

Skip Schumaker

The new manager of the Texas Rangers, hired in October 2025 to replace future Hall of Famer Bruce Bochy.

Jordan Tiegs

The new pitching coach for the Texas Rangers.

Bruce Bochy

The previous manager of the Texas Rangers, a future Hall of Famer.

Nathan Eovaldi

A pitcher for the Texas Rangers.

Gavin Collyer

A pitcher for the Texas Rangers.

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What they’re saying

“I want my coaches to coach. I want them to be heard. He's obviously the new pitching coach here, so I thought that was super important for him to address the group. I'm not going to be teaching much pitching stuff, so they need to hear from [Tiegs]. I want to let my coaches do their thing and empower them to be really good at their job.”

— Skip Schumaker, Manager, Texas Rangers (dallasnews.com)

“I want [the coaches] to remember how important or how impactful it was for a player to come in and have a coach grabbing them and saying, 'Hey, I got something for you today.' Every player is still evolving and learning and I don't want anybody here just for a job and checking a box. That's not who I hired. That's not who I wanted as a coach.”

— Skip Schumaker, Manager, Texas Rangers (dallasnews.com)

What’s next

At the end of the first week, when the full Rangers camp arrives, Schumaker will address the entire team. He plans to be intentional and welcoming in this address, as he believes creating an environment where everyone feels comfortable communicating is key to changing the team's culture.

The takeaway

Schumaker's initial approach of empowering his coaching staff and prioritizing open communication suggests he understands that changing a team's culture requires more than just vocal leadership. By making his staff and players feel comfortable approaching him, Schumaker is laying the groundwork for a more collaborative environment that could pay dividends on the field for the Rangers.