Over a month ago, the news broke that Phil Nevin would not return as the manager of the Los Angeles Angels. The organization has found its replacement in Ron Washington. The New York Post’s Jon Heyman was the first to report the news.
Washington, 71, previously spent eight seasons at the helm of the Texas Rangers, where he won 52.1% of regular season contests and led the Rangers to an 18-16 postseason record. Two American League Pennants were won during that time. Though, he’s been serving as the Braves third base coach since 2017.
It had been suggested that the Angels were looking for an experienced manager, Ron Washinton surely fits that bill. Quickly making the transition to coaching when his playing career ended in the ’90s. He first got gigs with the New York Mets and Oakland Athletics.
The deal is worth two years, according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today. Ron Washington has receive interest over the years, the Angels were the ones to make him a manager again. His hiring appears to be part of a trend among some clubs who have hired experienced managers of late. The Astros hired Dusty Baker going into 2020 when he was 70. The Rangers hired 67-year-old Bruce Bochy a year ago, just one season after the Mets hired 65-year-old Buck Showalter. Teams seem to think that having an experienced manager is key, it definitely paid off for the Rangers this last season.
While with the Braves, Washington has built a reputation as one of the best infield defense teachers. Though, the Angels position isn’t the most attractive position with the potential departure of Shohei Ohtani and a poor farm system that might threaten a 100-loss season in 2024. Whether or not, the Angels plan to keep Ron Washington around when the team is competitive again is yet to be determined. Both Showalter and Angels coach Benji Gil were interviewed for the position.
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