Angels hire Ron Washington as manager

The Los Angeles Angels made a bold move on Wednesday by appointing Ron Washington as their new manager. This decision comes as the team faces the potential departure of star player Shohei Ohtani in free agency and prepares for a possible significant overhaul.

At 71 years old, Washington brings a wealth of experience to the role, having previously managed the Texas Rangers for eight successful seasons, which included two World Series appearances. Despite a somewhat rocky final season with a 53-87 record, Washington boasts an overall career record of 664-611.

Washington’s coaching career has been marked by his time as the beloved third-base coach for the Atlanta Braves, known for his humor and old-school coaching techniques. He initially established himself in the coaching world with the Oakland A’s after a decade-long career as a versatile utility player.

As the oldest manager in baseball, Washington has signed a two-year contract with the Angels. He becomes just the second Black manager in the game, joining Dave Roberts of the Los Angeles Dodgers in this historic representation.

Washington’s appointment comes at a critical time for the Angels, who have seen frequent managerial changes in recent years and have struggled to achieve playoff success. Owner Arte Moreno’s decision to prioritize experience in the managerial role reflects the team’s determination to turn their fortunes around.

The Angels are at a crossroads, with the direction of the team often dependent on Moreno’s decisions. With talented players like three-time MVP Mike Trout and promising rookies, there is potential for a revival. However, the team’s pitching has been a significant pain point, with a struggling bullpen and below-average performance in the previous season.