What is Skip Schumaker's biggest challenge in first season as Rangers' manager?

When Skip Schumaker joined the organization's front office prior to the start of the 2025 season it was a given that if it was indeed Bruce Bochy's final season as the team's skipper, Schumaker would take over for the future Hall of Famer.

After ending the season 81-81 and missing the playoffs for the second straight year, Bochy, who had completed the entirety of his three year contract officially parted ways with Texas. A month later, the Rangers made Schumaker's hiring official as the team's 27th manager.

In a stage of uncertainity, Schumaker is faced with a plethora of challenges to bring the Rangers back to the postseason and get the organization back on the winning track.

Challenge #1: Returning the Rangers to their offensive potential

After one of the most powerful offensive displays in 2023, the team has looked lost at the plate over the last two seasons. Most notably in 2025, the Rangers ranked among the bottom five teams in almost every offensive categories. They were 21st in runs scored, 27th in OPS and 25th in batting average.

Seemed to be conflated by a weird approach at the plate for the majority of the team. The Rangers were the 12th-worst team in chase percentage (28.8%) and first-pitch swinging (32.5%). Not good metrics if a team wants to be successful.

Challenge #2: Maintaining team's committment to winning despite massive changes

This one sounds dumb because athletes consistently remain committed to winning and being successful regardless if they have the team or personnel to do so. But there's been a lot of changes already and there is still a bit of offseason to navigate.

It started with the departure of their World Series winning manager, the release of two former All-Stars and champions then the trading of one of the leaders of their organization. While professional ballplayers are adaptable to almost every situation, doesn't mean they will not find it a bit weird to not see those faces in the locker room.