BREAKING: The Los Angeles Angels have confirmed that Ron Washington will not return as manager for the 2026 MLB season, a source revealed to ESPN just moments ago. Washington, who missed most of the 2025 season following a serious health scare, led the team to a 36-38 record before stepping down due to health issues.
Washington, who turns 74 in April, was the oldest manager in Major League Baseball last season. He last managed a game on June 19, 2025, but left the field after experiencing shortness of breath during a series against the New York Yankees. Following this alarming incident, he underwent a quadruple bypass heart surgery on June 30 and was discharged on July 7.
In a heartfelt statement earlier this season, Washington reflected on his health journey, saying, “What happened to me saved my life.” He has since made significant lifestyle changes, including quitting smoking and improving his diet.
Additionally, interim manager Ray Montgomery will not be appointed as the full-time manager, marking the Angels’ search for their sixth manager in nine years. The Athletic was the first to report on this managerial change, signaling a new era for the team.
Washington leaves behind a mixed legacy in Los Angeles, with an overall record of 99-137 during his two seasons. He previously made history as the winningest manager in Texas Rangers history, leading the team to its first two World Series appearances in 2010 and 2011.
As the Angels prepare for the upcoming offseason, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see who they choose as their next leader and how this will impact their quest for a successful 2026 season. The urgency of this managerial shift resonates throughout the organization, as they look to revitalize their performance on the field.
Stay tuned for further updates as the Angels embark on this critical search for a new manager.