Rangers lose steady pitching coach Mike Maddux to worst possible landing spot

A Texas Rangers legend responsible for the growth of several big league arms and the resurgence of the Rangers' pitching staff to one of the best in Major League Baseball last season is officially departing the organization.

On Friday it was confirmed by Dallas Morning News' reporter Evan Grant, thatMike Maddux's second stint as the Rangers' pitching coach is ending. Rejoining the organization back in 2023, Maddux was in that role the past three seasons, as well as a stint that lasted from 2009 to 2015.

It is a devastating blow to lose Maddux, one of the best pitching coaches in baseball, but losing him to division rival Los Angeles Angels compounds the impact.

Maddux's zen-like calming demeanor has been a vital part of the Rangers' pitching chemistry

Over the last three seasons, seeing Maddux emerge from the dugout and slowly pace to the mound to calm his struggling pitchers was a welcome sight to both the players and fans alike. His trademark hand on the shoulder of the Ranger battery mates served as an effective tool that allowed a reset.

Maddux just oversaw what was the best Rangers starting staff in club history. They led the league with a 3.47 ERA and helped manager Bruce Bochy handle an inconsistent bullpen that was without a true closer all season.

Once Bochy left the organization at the end of the season, it was of crucial importance that Texas found a way to retain Maddux. Unfortunately, they were unable to agree to a deal and that spelled the end of his tenure.

President of Baseball Operations Chris Young wished Maddux well, saying, “The Texas Rangers are forever grateful to Mike for his contributions here...Mike has played a major role for some of the best teams in Rangers history, including the franchise’s first World Series title in 2023. We wish him the best.”

Maddux leaves a solid starting staff, but the bullpen is in flux

The starting staff is in good shape next year with Jacob deGrom, Nathan Eovaldi and Jack Leiter all set to return to the team and the hopeful return of Cody Bradford and second-year comeback of Kumar Rocker.

The area that may suffer is in the bullpen as it is a fluid situation with decisions still left to be made on a number of relievers. New manager Skip Schumaker would have loved to lean on the steady experience of Maddux this winter and into the spring as they continued to develop into a solid unit.

Aside from Shawn Armstrong, who was the only consistent arm for the team in 2025, the club must decide whether to retain Hoby Milner, Chris Martin, Jacob Webb, Phil Maton and Danny Coulombe -- all of whom are approaching free agency this winter. Armstrong is also a free agent, and the team would be wise to re-sign the right-hander.

With Maddux taking his considerable knowledge and experience within the division the Rangers are at a significant disadvantage moving forward.