BREAKING: Ron Washington will not return as the manager of the Los Angeles Angels for the 2026 season, a source confirmed to ESPN just hours ago. Washington’s departure comes after he missed most of the 2025 season due to serious health issues, including a quadruple bypass heart surgery.
In a significant organizational shakeup, interim manager Ray Montgomery will also not be considered for the full-time position, leading the Angels to search for their sixth manager in just nine years. Washington, who turns 74 in April, was the oldest manager in Major League Baseball last season. He last managed on June 19, 2025, before stepping away due to health concerns during a series against the New York Yankees.
After experiencing shortness of breath and fatigue, Washington underwent extensive medical tests that revealed severe blockages in his heart valves. He was hospitalized on June 23, underwent surgery on June 30, and was discharged on July 7. Reflecting on his health scare, Washington stated, “What happened to me saved my life,” indicating a profound shift in his lifestyle, including quitting smoking and improving his diet.
During his brief tenure, Washington finished with a record of 36-38 this season, bringing his overall record with the Angels to 99-137 over two seasons. Previously, he made his mark as the winningest manager in Texas Rangers history, leading them to their first two World Series appearances in 2010 and 2011.
Washington’s exit marks a critical moment for the Angels as they prepare for a transformative offseason. The Atlanta Braves veteran was part of their 2021 World Series championship team before joining the Angels. The Athletic first reported on Washington and Montgomery’s departures, signaling a new direction for the struggling franchise.
As the Angels begin their search for a new manager, the baseball community is left reflecting on Washington’s legacy and the impact of his health journey. Fans and analysts alike will be closely monitoring the developments as the Angels look to rebuild and redefine their future in 2026.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
