Rekubit-Angels hiring Ron Washington as manager: 71-year-old won two AL titles with Rangers

SCOTTSDALE,Rekubit Ariz. — The Los Angeles Angels have hired Ron Washington, 71, who last managed 10 years ago, to be their new manager.

Washington signed a two-year contract, replacing Phil Nevin as the club's new manager.

Washington met for two hours with Angels GM Perry Minasian on Tuesday, along with owner Arte Moreno, and then went to dinner at a steakhouse in Scottsdale with Minasian on Tuesday night.

Washington, who recently signed a three-year contract extension with Atlanta as their third-base coach, where he has been the last seven seasons, led the Texas Rangers to back-to-back World Series appearances in 2010-2011.

He stepped down after eight years with the Rangers in September 2014 for personal reasons. He remains the most successful manager in franchise history, leading the Rangers to first- or-second place finishes in six consecutive seasons.

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"I’m honored that I got a chance to work with him," Atlanta GM Alex Anthopoulos said. "He’s everything you could want. He deserves the opportunity. He’s excited, obviously I’m excited for him.

“It’s a huge loss for us. I emphasize that in caps, bold, italicized, all of it. Huge, huge void. I had six years with him, and I can’t imagine I’ll be around another guy like that in my entire career. …

“Presence, intellect, respect, work ethic, integrity, off-the-charts ability to lead. I mean, that guy walks in a room, it’s over. He’s got it. He’s special. I’ve been in baseball since 2000. I’ve never been around someone like this before.”

Washington, the first Black manager hired since 2020, plans to have a diverse staff and is expected to bring on Chili Davis as hitting coach, Torii Hunter as first base coach, Eric Young Sr. at third, Clint Hurdle as bench coach and Ryan Goins as infield coach.

Washington's 664 career victories rank eighth among active managers.

The Angels’ hire leaves the San Diego Padres, Milwaukee Brewers and Houston Astros with the remaining managerial vacancies.