Angels not bringing Ron Washington back
The Los Angeles Angels won't bring back Ron Washington as their manager in 2026, he confirmed to The Athletic's Sam Blum.
The team won't retain Ray Montgomery either, Blum reports, citing a source.
Montgomery managed the team on an interim basis after Washington stepped aside to undergo medical treatment for a heart condition, which caused him to miss the remainder of the season.
Washington said his dismissal was based on performance and not related to his health.
"I have to accept that," Washington told Blum.
"I can't go back to argue with them to try and tell them different, when they've made a decision. … We were starting to perform better.”
The Angels hired Washington as manager in November 2023. The 73-year-old posted a 135-189 record during his tenure. The team held a contract option for Washington in 2026.
Montgomery managed the club to a 36-52 record after taking over. The 56-year-old said he was fortunate to manage the Angels, even in an interim role, after previously serving as their director of player personnel and then as bench coach.
He said the Angels offered him a new role with the organization, which remains to be determined, according to Jeff Fletcher of the Orange County Register.
The Angels have posted 10 consecutive losing seasons and haven't made the playoffs since 2014.