The Angels have hired a new manager with MLB experience, but it’s not Buck Showalter, as many had suspected it might be.
Ron Washington instead got the Angels job, the team confirmed Wednesday.
Washington, 71, has been the third base coach for the Braves since 2017, which included Atlanta’s 2021 World Series championship.
Washington takes over for Phil Nevin, who managed the Angels for the past two seasons.
Washington had his final interview with the Angels on Tuesday, and the team then decided he was the right person for the gig, MLB.com reported.
“I’m lost for words, but not the work it will take!” Washington told the Associated Press in a text message.
He previously managed the Rangers from 2007-14, abruptly resigning with less than a month remaining in his last season on the job due to personal matters.
“I was not true to my wife after 42 years. I broke her trust,” Washington said at the time. “I’m here today to own that mistake and to apologize to her and to those I disappointed and those who have trusted in me.”
The Rangers had a 664-611 record during Washington’s tenure as skipper and won back-to-back AL pennants in 2010 and ’11.
Washington also had a 10-year career as a player, taking the field for the Dodgers, Twins, Orioles, Guardians and Astros between 1977 and 1989.
The Angels are hoping that Washington can mirror the trend of some older managers having success, as 68-year-old Bruce Bochy managed the Rangers to this past season’s World Series championship after the Astros won in 2022 and were led by then-73-year-old Dusty Baker.
Showalter was said to be one of the favorites for the Angels job after getting fired by the Mets following a disappointing 75-87 season.