The Texas Rangers are shaking things up in their front office and coaching ranks, just months after capturing the franchise’s first-ever World Series title in 2024. In a series of moves announced Monday, the club promoted Ross Fenstermaker to general manager, hired Cole Figueroa as assistant GM, and named Justin Viele as their new hitting coach.
Fenstermaker Rising Through the Ranks
Fenstermaker, 38, has been with the Rangers organization since 2010 when he started as a baseball operations intern. He steadily worked his way up the ladder, most recently serving as assistant GM for player development and international operations for the past three years. In that role, Fenstermaker oversaw the club’s minor league system and international scouting efforts.
His promotion to GM comes on the heels of Chris Young receiving a multi-year extension and being elevated to President of Baseball Operations. Young, who has been the Rangers’ GM for the past four seasons, is still expected to be the top decision-maker on baseball matters. But Fenstermaker will now take on an expanded role in shaping the club’s roster and farm system.
Ross has been an integral part of our success and I’m thrilled to have him step into the GM role. His knowledge, leadership, and ability to identify and develop talent will be vital as we look to sustain the championship culture we’ve built here.
Chris Young, Rangers President of Baseball Operations
Figueroa Brings Fresh Perspective
Cole Figueroa joins the Rangers after spending the last eight seasons with the Tampa Bay Rays organization, including the past three as director of baseball operations. The 36-year-old Figueroa, a former MLB infielder, was responsible for baseball strategy, player-market evaluations, and long-term planning with the innovative Rays front office that has become a model for doing more with less.
As assistant GM with Texas, Figueroa will work closely with Fenstermaker and Young on roster construction, contract negotiations, and further integrating data-driven practices across the baseball operations department. His diverse experience as a player, coach, and executive should help the Rangers stay ahead of the curve.
Viele Vaults to Big Leagues
Perhaps the most intriguing hire is Justin Viele as the Rangers’ hitting coach. The 32-year-old has spent the last five seasons as a hitting instructor in the San Francisco Giants organization. Viele worked with current Rangers coach Donnie Ecker in San Francisco in 2021, when the Giants set a franchise record with 241 home runs.
Viele will be tasked with unlocking the full potential of a talented Texas lineup that led the AL in runs scored en route to the title in 2024. He replaces Tim Hyers, who left to become hitting coach of the Atlanta Braves after three years with the Rangers.
Justin is one of the bright young minds in the game. His progressive approach to hitting, his ability to connect with players, and his relentless work ethic are going to be tremendous assets for us as we look to defend our championship.
Rangers manager Bruce Bochy
With these moves, the Rangers are hoping to position themselves for sustained success after reaching the mountain top in 2024. By promoting from within, adding an outside voice in Figueroa, and entrusting Viele to take the offense to even greater heights, Texas is banking on fresh perspectives to help keep its competitive window open for years to come.
The pressure will be on the new-look leadership group from day one as the Rangers begin their title defense. But if this brain trust can replicate the magic of 2024, the franchise and its fans may be in store for a dynastic run in the heart of the Lone Star State.
