Texas Rangers: Smart Move Extending Jeff Banister Until 2019?

Jeff Banister, the manager of the Texas Rangers is not going to be leaving Arlington anytime soon. Quite frankly, there’s no reason for him to do so. Since coming on the scene Banister has been doing great managing the Rangers. If anything, he deserves to remain in his position.

In 2015, Banister took over a mediocre and motivation-lacking baseball club, leading them to an American League West title. After a tremendous 2015 season turnaround, the Texas Rangers ripped up his original contract and gave him a new one. The new contract would keep in Arlington through 2018. It also included an option for 2019.

Last month, the 2019 option in Banister’s contract was exercised. The Rangers wasted no time expressing their ongoing trust and faith in Banister.

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The decision of picking up the 2019 option in Banister’s contract could have probably waited until the 2018 season, but the Rangers decided to quickly get that out of the way. It could be perhaps that they want to avoid distractions. Or maybe they trust Banister and have all the faith in the world in him.

Banister’s managing so far has been tremendous. Two straight American League West titles, as well as winning the A.L. Manager of the Year award for the 2015 season. 2017 didn’t go so great, but that doesn’t change the respect the players have for Banister. The relationship between Banister and the players is very good and it’s very important.

At the moment, Banister is in the process of putting together a plan to put his team back on track after a disappointing 2017 season. Banister was able to turn it around in 2015, so there’s no doubt he can come up with a new plan to turn the team around again. Picking up Banister’s option is the right thing to do. He’s been on a roll since he’s arrived in Texas.