BREAKING: Ron Washington, the Los Angeles Angels’ manager, will not return for the 2026 season, sources confirmed to ESPN just moments ago. This decision follows Washington’s serious health issues that sidelined him for the majority of the 2025 season after he underwent quadruple bypass heart surgery.
The Angels will be looking for their sixth manager in just nine years, as interim manager Ray Montgomery will also not be retained for the full-time role. Washington, who will turn 74 in April, was the oldest active manager in Major League Baseball last season. He last managed a game on June 19, 2025, when he left during a series against the New York Yankees due to shortness of breath and fatigue.
Washington’s health scare was alarming; after undergoing tests upon returning to California, doctors discovered blockages that required a surgical intervention. He was hospitalized on June 23, underwent surgery on June 30, and was discharged on July 7. Washington reflected on the experience, stating, “What happened to me saved my life,” emphasizing his commitment to a healthier lifestyle by quitting smoking and changing his eating habits.
During his brief tenure in the 2025 season, Washington recorded a 36-38 record, leaving the team with a two-season total of 99-137. Before joining the Angels, he was celebrated for his success with the Texas Rangers, where he achieved a 664-611 record from 2007 to 2014 and led the team to their first two World Series appearances in 2010 and 2011.
The announcement has prompted immediate reactions from fans and analysts alike, as the Angels seek to revitalize their franchise. The Athletic was the first to report this development, indicating the urgency for the Angels to make strategic decisions moving forward.
As the offseason progresses, all eyes will be on the Angels as they search for a new leader to steer the team into the 2026 season. With a history of managerial changes, the franchise is under pressure to find a suitable candidate who can bring stability and success. Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.
