The Los Angeles Angels announced that neither Ron Washington nor interim manager Ray Montgomery will return in 2026. Washington, 73, had been sidelined mid-season with serious health issues and underwent quadruple bypass surgery. Montgomery, who stepped in as interim skipper, also will not be retained as the full-time manager.
The decision draws a clear line under the 2025 season. The Angels, coming off back-to-back last-place finishes in the AL West, seem determined to reset their leadership in the dugout as part of a broader cultural shift. With neither the established figure nor the interim bridge retained, the franchise is signaling that a fresh voice is needed to steer the next chapter.
Washington’s Final Chapter: Legacy, Health, and Fallout
For Washington, this isn’t just a professional change; it’s also deeply personal. He missed half the 2025 season due to health trouble, stepping away in June after fatigue and shortness of breath. His surgery and ongoing recovery loomed large over the latter half of the campaign.
In comments following the announcement, Washington said the decision was rooted in performance–not health. He expressed acceptance of the move, stating, “I have to accept that. 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.”
Washington noted that he never had a chance to speak with owner Arte Moreno beforehand. He also emphasized that none of this takes away from what he believes the team was becoming; Washington remains optimistic that the Angels taken on his personality and direction.
Legacy-wise, Washington is one of the more respected managerial figures in MLB: he led the Texas Rangers through multiple playoff runs, including two World Series appearances. His tenure in Anaheim will likely be judged more for its adversity than for on-field success, but his reputation, character, and ability to mentor remain part of his larger imprint in the game.
“I think I had the team going in the right direction, I really did,” Washington said. “And it was just too bad that my health came into play. There’s nothing that I can do about that.
“It was my team. I think the team took on my personality. We were definitely showing that. In this business, this is the kind of stuff that happens to you. When everything goes not the way people wanted, you take the blame for it. And I’m OK.”
Montgomery: Interim No More, But Gracious Exit
Montgomery didn’t make a peep in dispute. He recently confirmed he has been offered a role in the organization, though not the manager’s chair. His interim stretch (36-52 record) proved to be a rough test. He inherited a team in flux and never fully turned the ship around.
Montgomery thanked the club and expressed frustration at not being able to take them further. “They’ve treated me well here … I’m just disappointed we didn’t get where we needed to go. That’s the frustrating part,” he said. That tone suggests he understands the decision is less personal and more organizational, and he may remain part of the Angels’ future in another capacity.
What This Means for the Angels’ Future
By cutting both Washington and Montgomery, the Angels are signaling that this isn’t a tweak; it’s a full retool. They’re casting aside both the familiar and the interim experiment in favor of something new. It’s a high-stakes gamble that the right hire can reinvigorate the roster, the culture, and the fan base.
This change likely pairs with broader front-office introspection. General Manager Perry Minasian is signed through 2026, but his long-term status is now in question given years of underperformance. It wouldn’t be a surprise if a new manager arrives alongside or shortly after a shift in baseball operations leadership.