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Report: Rangers considering replacing Banister after 2018

Tom Pennington / Getty Images Sport / Getty

The last-place Texas Rangers are considering replacing manager Jeff Banister at the conclusion of the 2018 campaign, multiple sources told Jeff Wilson of the Star-Telegram.

A final decision has not yet been made, but Banister is under contract for the 2019 season.

After exercising the option to retain his services last offseason, the Rangers have taken a step back. At 64-88, Texas is virtually guaranteed to finish last in the American League West - currently sitting 31 games behind the first-place Houston Astros.

Banister, 54, took over the Rangers gig in 2015 and helped lead the team to consecutive first-place finishes. However, the club was unable to make it out of the first round of the playoffs in either year, losing to the Toronto Blue Jays on both occasions. Over his four seasons with the Rangers, Banister owns a 325-313 record.

Players have reportedly expressed communication issues with the manager since he took over from Ron Washington after the 2014 season. Some position players have been informed of off days just to find their names in the lineup when they arrive at the ballpark, while starting pitchers have complained of going days without being given any defined role, according to Wilson.

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