SURPRISE, Ariz. -- 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.