**SEATTLE — The architect behind the Texas Rangers’ historic first World Series title will be staying put in the Metroplex.**
On Friday, the Rangers announced that they have signed general manager Chris Young to a multiyear contract extension and promoted him to president of baseball operations, a role previously held by Jon Daniels.
A native of Dallas, Young joined the Rangers as executive vice president and GM in December 2020, initially collaborating with Daniels. After Daniels was dismissed in August 2022, Young assumed full responsibility for baseball operations, though he did not officially take on the title at that time.
In his first full season at the helm, Young guided the Rangers to their inaugural World Series championship in 2023.
With this new deal, Young is poised to lead Texas back to the top of the league.
“His long-term vision is to bring championships here,” said manager Bruce Bochy ahead of the Rangers’ game against the Mariners on Friday night. “He’s always focused on that, and he’s the perfect leader for this organization. His passion for the team and commitment to the fans and players is unmatched. I’m thrilled for him and everyone involved; he’s going to be with us for the long haul.”
Among Young’s key moves, perhaps the most pivotal was hiring Bochy, a likely future Hall of Fame manager, out of retirement to oversee the team.
“Chris Young’s impact on the Texas Rangers has been monumental over the last four years,” Rangers majority owner Ray Davis stated. “His vision and leadership were crucial in bringing a World Series championship to Arlington, and he is dedicated to building a consistent winner for our fans.”
In 2023, Young became only the third person since 1950 to win a World Series as both a player and a general manager, joining Johnny Murphy and Stan Musial. He earned his first championship ring as a player with the 2015 Kansas City Royals.
Young also made history as the first former Major League player to win the World Series in a head baseball operations role since Kenny Williams of the Chicago White Sox in 2005.
With 13 seasons in the big leagues, Young played two of those with the Rangers in 2004-2005. After retiring, he worked in the Commissioner’s Office from 2018 to 2020.
“The Texas Rangers hold a special place in my heart, and I’m excited to continue building on what we’ve started,” Young said in a statement. “Winning a World Series in my hometown was an incredible experience, but our goal is to consistently contend for the playoffs. I appreciate the trust Ray Davis has in me, and I’m confident in our path forward. Our fans deserve nothing less.”
The timing of this announcement was notable, coming just after Kumar Rocker’s impressive MLB debut, where he struck out seven, and ahead of Jacob deGrom’s return from a lengthy injury layoff. Max Scherzer is also set to return from injury soon.
“CY understands the importance of pitching and defense,” Bochy noted. “When I arrived, he emphasized enhancing our pitching staff, which he did with signings like Eovaldi, Heaney, Scherzer, and deGrom. That vision helped us win a championship, and it will remain a key focus going forward.”
