Rangers announce all but one Coaching Staff position has been filled including the new addition of a Fan Favorite

On Wednesday afternoon, the Texas Rangers announced that all but one position on Skip Schumaker’s 2026 coaching staff has been filled.

Returning staff members include Luis Urueta, who served as bench coach during Schumaker’s tenure with Miami. Urueta’s familiarity with the staff is expected to provide continuity.

Justin Viele will also return as the Rangers’ hitting coach, despite an underwhelming offensive performance in 2025. It appears that Viele and Schumaker remain aligned, and plans are underway to add additional offensive-minded coaches to bolster the lineup.

Dave Bush will remain as assistant pitching coach, a role in which he is expected to continue contributing significantly to maintaining the Rangers’ pitching excellence in 2026.

Two returning staff members will assume new roles: Corey Ragsdale will step into the third base coach position, following Tony Beasley’s departure. Meanwhile, Jordan Tiegs, who served as the bullpen coach in 2025, has been promoted to pitching coach. Tiegs joined the organization in 2019 as the Arizona League Rangers’ pitching coach.

Brett Hayes, entering his ninth season with the Rangers organization, will transition from quality control coach—his role in 2025—to the team’s new catching coach. Hayes previously served as an advance scout, coordinator of run prevention, and bullpen coach.

New Faces on the Coaching Staff

Alex Cintrón joins the Rangers as the major league hitting coach. Cintrón had been with the Houston Astros since 2019, consistently ranking in the top 10 in offensive metrics. He is credited with fixing Yordan Álvarez’s swing and stance, an adjustment that helped Álvarez hit a game-winning home run in Game Six of Houston’s 2022 World Series championship.

Colby Suggs, named the new bullpen coach, comes from a four-year tenure as Minnesota’s pitching coach. During his time there, the Twins’ pitching staff ranked in the middle of the league in ERA but struggled with strikeouts. His experience is expected to be vital down the stretch as the Rangers chase a playoff spot.

Rod Barajas, a former MLB catcher with 14 seasons—including three with the Rangers—joins the organization as their quality control coach. Barajas recently worked with three Double-A affiliates in the Angels’ organization. He previously served on Schumaker’s staff with the Miami Marlins before being let go in 2024.

The Rangers also named Travis Jankowski as their 2026 first-base coach. Jankowski, a fan favorite known as “El Blondi,” played a pivotal role in the Rangers’ 2023 World Series victory after replacing the injured Adolis García. A former outfielder, Jankowski is celebrated by fans and excited to join the coaching staff.

Looking Ahead

Schumaker has assembled a coaching staff that features several of his previous colleagues, with the goal of reinvigorating the team. Skip Schumaker has also prioritized individual player interviews, aiming to identify areas for improvement from the 2025 season.

With these additions, the Rangers hope to return to their winning ways and compete more effectively for a World Series title.