In a homecoming of sorts, Chris Woodward finds himself back in Dodger blue. The Los Angeles Dodgers announced Friday night that the former Texas Rangers manager will be returning to his old stomping grounds as their new first base coach. Woodward previously held the same position on manager Dave Roberts’ staff from 2016 to 2018 before departing to take the reins in Texas.
The move fills the vacancy created when Clayton McCullough, the Dodgers’ first base coach last season, accepted the managerial job with the Miami Marlins earlier this offseason. For Woodward, it’s a chance to reunite with a team he knows well and contribute to a perennial contender fresh off another NL West title.
Familiar Face, New Role
While Woodward’s return engagement with the Dodgers will have a hint of familiarity, his responsibilities are set to expand. According to the club’s executive vice president and general manager Brandon Gomes, Woodward will be tasked with overseeing baserunning and infield defense. This will allow third base coach Dino Ebel to shift his focus to the outfield.
The 46-year-old Woodward spent the last two seasons as a senior advisor for the Dodgers, working with both the major league team and player development staff after being let go by the Rangers in June 2022. His four-year tenure in Texas was a trying one, with the team posting a 211-287 record under his watch.
Woodward’s Dodgers History
Before his first stint as Dodgers first base coach, Woodward spent two seasons on the Seattle Mariners’ coaching staff. He also played parts of 12 major league seasons as a utility infielder with the Blue Jays, Mets, Mariners, Braves, and Yankees.
We’re excited to welcome Woody back to the organization. His experience, leadership, and knowledge of the game will benefit our team and staff immensely.
– Brandon Gomes, Dodgers EVP & GM
During his initial run in Los Angeles, Woodward was part of two pennant-winning teams and worked closely with many current Dodgers stars. His rapport with the club’s core players and understanding of the organization’s culture should help him hit the ground running in his new role.
Boost for the Infield
With Woodward set to focus on the infield, the Dodgers are hoping to see defensive improvements from a group that ranked middle-of-the-pack in several metrics last season. His work with incumbents like Gavin Lux and Max Muncy, as well as newcomers Miguel Rojas and J.D. Martinez, could pay dividends on the field and in the clubhouse.
- Rojas, acquired from the Marlins, is known as a standout defender at shortstop
- Martinez, primarily a DH, is working to improve his first base skills to increase his versatility
- Lux is still developing at second base after converting from shortstop
- Muncy is looking to regain his All-Star form after an injury-plagued 2022
Woodward’s ability to connect with players and teach the finer points of infield play could be instrumental in getting the most out of this talented but diverse group. If he can help shore up the defense and get the Dodgers’ bats going, a return trip to the postseason seems inevitable.
I’m thrilled to be back with the Dodgers and can’t wait to get started. We have a special group here, and I’m excited to help us reach our goals.
– Chris Woodward, Dodgers 1B Coach
As pitchers and catchers report to spring training in the coming days, Woodward will be busy implementing his philosophy and building relationships. It’s a new chapter for the baseball lifer, but one that has a distinct air of familiarity. For the Dodgers, bringing Woodward back into the fold is a low-risk, high-reward move that could pay off handsomely as they chase another World Series title.
