Ron Washington, Atlanta Braves’ Third Base Coach, in Game 2 of the Division Series against the Philadelphia Phillies at Truist Park on October 9, 2023. (Elsa/Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Angels made a significant move on Wednesday, hiring Ron Washington as their new manager. Choosing experience, the team looks to Washington as they face the potential of big changes if star player Shohei Ohtani departs in free agency.
Washington’s Track Record
Washington, 71, was last in charge in 2014, leaving the Texas Rangers after eight seasons that included two World Series appearances. Despite a tough final season with a 53-87 record, Washington’s overall career record is 664-611.
Washington told The Associated Press, expressing his feelings, “I’m lost for words, but not the work it will take!”
Washington’s Journey
Joining the Angels from Atlanta, where he spent seven seasons as a beloved third-base coach known for humor and traditional coaching methods, Washington began his coaching career with the Oakland Athletics after a successful 10-year run as a utility player.
Braves president Alex Anthopoulos shared, “He’s everything you could want. It’s a huge loss for us, but I had six years with him, and I can’t imagine I’ll be around a guy like that in my entire career.”
Diversity in Leadership
Washington, now the oldest manager in baseball, secures a two-year contract. He becomes one of two Black managers in the game, alongside the Dodgers’ Dave Roberts after Dusty Baker’s recent retirement.
The Angels, in their fifth managerial change in seven years, haven’t won a playoff game since 2009. Owner Arte Moreno, prioritizing experience, opted for Washington after parting ways with first-time manager Phil Nevin in October.
Team Challenges and Assets
The team’s direction often depends on Moreno’s decisions, with the unfortunate choice to keep Ohtani at the trade deadline contributing to their challenges. The Angels struggled last season with a 73-89 record, ranking behind playoff-bound Seattle, World Series-winning Texas and a Houston team planning a winter reload.
Despite the setbacks, the Angels retain talented players under contract, such as three-time MVP Mike Trout, utility man Brandon Drury, and promising rookies like Logan O’Hoppe, Zach Neto, and Nolan Schanuel. However, pitching remains a concern, with a 4.64 ERA (23rd out of 30 major league teams), 4.00 walks per nine innings (28th), and one of the weakest bullpens in baseball.
This report used information from ESPN.
