5 candidates to replace Chris Young and breath new life into Rangers' clubhouse

The poor play of the Texas Rangers has become less of a slump and more of a trend as the team has now lost seven of their last eight to teams below them in the AL West standings, including three against the Astros this week.

When you look at the organization from top to bottom, it doesn't look particularly encouraging and it is time to discuss whether President of Baseball Operations Chris Young is still the best man to return the franchise to World Series contenders.

With the honeymoon phase of the triumphant 2023 season over, Young is officially on the hot seat. Here are some names to keep an eye on, as Ray Davis and his associates should be looking into them as possible replacements.

5 potential replacements for Chris Young

Ross Fenstermaker

If the Davis ownership group wants to stay in-house, then current General Manager Ross Fenstermaker is the obvious choice. He was promoted in November 2024 and has a pulse on the roster and day-to-day operations of the organization. But if you're unhappy with what Young is delivering, then promoting his next in command is not the best way to go in a new direction.

Cole Figueroa

Figeroa is another in-house option. As assistant general manager, he is well respected for his ability to successfully conflate the new analytic approach with the dyed-in-the-wool, old-school style that still carries a lot of weight in the clubhouse. He paid his dues with the Tampa Bay Rays as the team's director of baseball operations. Again, however, not the guy you want for a fresh start.

Nick Hundley

Hundley has served as a special assistant to Chris Young since 2022 and was a big part of the World Series winning 2023 roster. He had a 12-year playing career and has credibility with the guys in the dugout. He was a candidate for the San Diego Padres job last winter that eventually went to Craig Stammen. Hundley is a long shot as he has no experience outside of an assistant role.

External candidates provide much more room for growth

Sig Mejdal

Mejdal is an interesting candidate for a couple of reasons. First, he would be a hire outside of the current front office, which would bring with it the exciting prospect of new blood. Second, he has shown an uncanny ability to apply a more modern, data-driven approach that has proved to be successful with other organizations like the Baltimore Orioles and Houston Astros.

Carlos Rodriguez

If you're looking for a dark horse candidate, then Brazilian-born Rodriguez is your guy. Currently the senior vice president and assistant general manager in Tampa Bay, Rodriguez has impressed with his ability to develop players and scout on an international level. His unique expansion of sports nutrition and individualized performance and wellness programs have kept him on the short list of up-and-coming MLB executives.

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