Fan Favorite Ron Washington, 71, Named New Angels Manager

Longtime MLB coach Ron Washington will be the next manager of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Washington has not managed a team since 2014 and will become the oldest manager in the league at the age of 71.

Since stepping down as the manager of the Texas Rangers nine years ago to deal with personal issues, Washington has worked as a third base coach for the Oakland Athletics and Atlanta Braves. During his time in Atlanta from 2016 to 2023, he became well known for his aggressive style and blunt quotes, becoming popular with fans.

“He’s everything you could want, he deserves the opportunity,” Braves president of baseball operations and general manager Alex Anthopoulos said Wednesday. “He’s excited. Obviously, I’m excited for him. It’s a huge loss for us. I emphasize that in caps, bold, italicized, all of it. Huge void. But I had six years with him, and I can’t imagine I’ll be around a guy like that in my entire career.”

After a playing career in MLB from 1977 to 1989, Washington accepted his only other managing position with the Rangers in 2007. He is often credited with leading the team through a massive rebuilding phase and compiled a 664-611 record in eight seasons. The Rangers went to the World Series in back-to-back years during his tenure but lost both times. Washington received his first ring in 2021 as a member of the Braves.

Washington will begin his second managerial stint in a similar position to his first, as the Angels are expected to struggle in 2024 with star two-way player Shohei Ohtani departing for free agency. The team underperformed last season, figuring as a favorite to win the World Series before finishing 73-89, far out of the playoff race. Los Angeles has struggled to replace Mike Scioscia, manager from 2000 to 2018, and is now on its fourth manager since he retired.

Article by Patrick Moquin