Bruce Bochy’s contract expired with yesterday’s final out. Rangers President of Baseball Operations, and the man responsible for pulling Bochy out of retirement, said he would meet with Bochy once the season is over to discuss his situation.

It’s a bit curious that he hasn’t already re-signed for 2026 and beyond. It’s not like the last few games were going to significantly impact his decision. Usually, these are discussion that are had during the season before a contract expires and he is allowed to walk away. As of today, Bochy is not only free to sign with the Rangers, but with any other team. That’s a bit worrisome.

Granted, the Rangers have the 2023 National League Manager of the Year on staff in Skip Shumaker, hired as the manager in waiting in case it came to this. But Shumaker will be coveted by almost every team looking for their next manager, so he won’t wait around long for Bochy’s decision. He needs it soon. The Rangers need it soon..

Bochy has gone on record saying he still has fun (yes, he said that this year during this torturous season), he’s still as competitive as ever, he still likes being out there. He wants to come back. Which means there must be hesitation in Chris Young’s mind whether to bring him back. Otherwise, why isn’t it done?

So, what would keep Young from bringing him back? Only if he thinks the team would benefit from a different voice. But it’s not a voice this team needs. It’s players who can hit a baseball. Their failings weren’t on Bochy. He didn’t assemble a failed roster. He didn’t forget to sign a closer.

What would keep Bochy him from coming back? His decision will reveal what Rangers fans can expect next season.  Bochy wants to win. And if he determines ownership isn’t committed to winning, he won’t stay around. He came out of retirement because he had Young’s promise of that commitment, a commitment that is less and less viable each season.

So, if Bochy announces he is leaving the Rangers, you’ll know what he knows. It’s going to be a long slog.

Granted, it’s not just about payroll. Cleveland is twenty-sixth out of thirty teams in player salaries, and they’re headed to the playoffs. Texas is thirteenth, the New York Mets are fourth, and they are not. But there are a couple prime free agent hitters—Kyle Schwarber, Kyle Tucker, Luis Arraez—who would make this offense immediately better.

Chris Young can say as often as he wants that he’s committed to winning. But that hasn’t panned out the last two seasons. Maybe as a former pitcher, he doesn’t understand offense enough to build a perennial winner. 

If Bochy comes back, that will be a good sign for the Rangers future. If he doesn’t, fans have a very real reason to be concerned. If Bochy doesn’t think the commitment to winning is here, why should we?

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