Top Experienced is departing the Texas Rangers to join the Atlanta Braves as their new hitting coach, causing a shakeup in the Rangers’ coaching staff. Hyers’ impact in Texas was significant since he joined in 2022, working alongside offensive coordinator Donnie Ecker and assistant hitting coach Seth Connor to transform the Rangers’ offense into the best in the American League by 2023. Their efforts helped lead Texas to a World Series title, with the team winning the AL Silver Slugger Award that season after scoring an AL-high 881 runs and hitting .263/.337/.442 with a 114 wRC+.
A Georgia native, Hyers will now be returning closer to home, making a lateral move to the Braves, where he brings his experience from World Series-winning teams in Boston (2018) and Texas (2023). However, the Rangers struggled in 2024, finishing 23rd in OPS (.690) as players like Adolis García and Jonah Heim faced challenges, and the team missed the postseason. Despite the downturn, the Rangers valued Hyers’ work, with manager Bruce Bochy extending an invitation for the entire staff to return in 2025.
In addition to Hyers’ exit, Ecker and associate manager Will Venable were in consideration for roles elsewhere, including the White Sox managerial position. While Ecker is no longer a candidate, Venable remains in the mix. The Rangers plan to fill Hyers’ position soon, likely within the week, while retaining Ecker in his current role as offensive coordinator.
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