Why Bruce Bochy’s experience will be a major factor in 2025

Defending a World Series title is never an easy endeavor. Teams that have repeated such as the 90's New York Yankees and the 70's Cincinnati Reds boasted strong managers who ensured that the club remained consistent.

While the 2024 Texas Rangers were unable to become repeat champions, they could greatly benefit from manager Bruce Bochy's presence in 2025. The veteran skipper knows what it takes to win rings, and has even had experience in a similar situation.

The boys from Arlington will have to prove that last season was merely a hiccup, and that they are still capable of being a club in the Postseason mix. Of course, the roster will look different, but Bochy will influence how the team chooses to utilize their talents, and could also provide a hopeful mentality.

"I’m still hungry to get back,” Bochy said at the end of the season. “I'm disappointed, just like all of us, in how this season went. But that's why I got back in the game. That's what drives me. I've talked to the coaches and we're working out how to get this thing back to where we want to be. That's getting back to the postseason and winning the championship."

Why Bruce Bochy’s experience will be a major factor in 2025

The 69-year-old manager is a four-time World Series Champion. Most notably, he collected three titles with the San Francisco Giants. Two of these victories came after the team failed to defend their status the year before.

As a result, many fans chalked up the Giants success to "even year" magic. But, there is something to be said about how Bochy was able to adapt on the fly. All three of those San Francisco teams were slightly different. Even though certain contributors remained constant, Bochy had to learn the strengths of new players, and ensure that the bunch maintained a championship mentality.

The Rangers will be in a similar spot this season. It is likely that the team will look different when compared to the last few years.

As a result, the battle-tested manager could once again prove why he is one of the best in the business. He will have to shuffle what is available, get mainstays to lead, and convince newcomers to buy in.