Texas Rangers rumors: Eric Chavez being interviewed

Texas Rangers rumors: Eric Chavez, former Oakland A’s third baseman and current Los Angeles Angels special assistant, is interviewing with the Texas Rangers for their vacant manager job, per Evan Grant on Twitter. Chavez was widely considered to be the favorite to replace Mike Scioscia in Anaheim until Brad Ausmus was hired.

Chavez, 40, was a star third baseman until injuries derailed his career. He retired in 2014, was a special assistant to Brian Cashman with the Yankees in 2015, and then followed Billy Eppler from New York to Anaheim when Eppler was named Angels g.m. after the 2015 season. He also managed the Angels AAA team for the final month of the 2018 season.

Chavez has limited coaching and managerial experience, but does have experience in a front office, and Eppler is well-regarded. Chavez is also yet another manager candidate with Yankee ties — Joe Girardi managed the Yankees, and Joe Espada was a special assistant with the Yankees. He also is linked with the most successful manager in Rangers history, Ron Washington, as Wash worked closely with Chavez in Eric’s playing days in Oakland, so much so that Chavez gave Wash one of his Gold Glove Awards.

Given the lack of coaching experience Chavez has, it would seem likely that if he were to be hired, he would likely be paired with a more experienced bench coach, such as Don Wakamatsu. Evan mentioned earlier this week the Rangers may be waiting until the World Series is over to interview someone with the Dodgers or Red Sox, with Dodgers coach Chris Woodward being a hot name as well.