SURPRISE, Ariz. (AP) – The Texas Rangers have guaranteed Jeff Banister’s contract through 2018 and given their manager a raise.
Hired in October 2014, Banister was voted AL Manager of the Year after leading the Rangers to an 88-74 record and the AL West title. They lost to Toronto in the Division Series.
His previous deal was guaranteed through 2017 and included a team option for 2018. The Rangers said Friday they had guaranteed 2018 and added a team option for 2019.
“We reworked Jeff’s contract,” general manager Jon Daniels said. “Through the team’s early season struggles, he was able to keep everyone focused, and that led to a memorable finish. We are proud to have him managing the Texas Rangers.
Texas improved its wins total by 21 over 2014 despite injuries to Yu Darvish, who missed the season due to reconstructive elbow surgery, and Derek Holland, who was limited to 10 starts.
Banister was in the Pittsburgh Pirates organization for 29 years before the Rangers hired him. Texas has never won the World Series.
“It may be recognition for where we have gotten in a short period of time,” Banister said. “But we have a lot more to do.”