Ron Washington was standing at second base with a fungo bat in his hand, surrounded by the familiar noises of Angel Stadium. Just before the team ended another disappointing season, Washington found himself in his favorite place — on the field, in uniform — still asking for one more chance to guide the team. For the 73-year-old veteran, this final homestand is not just related to baseball; it is related to living his dream again by making one last heartfelt pitch.
He spent multiple months recovering from intense quadruple bypass heart surgery. It was a life-transforming situation that forced the manager to be at a distance in the midseason. Now, as the team faces a crossroads, the Angels are in a position to decide who will become the next Washington. General manager Perry Minasian is under contract, interim manager Ray Montgomery is also in the queue, and Arte Moreno’s cautious approach looms large.
The 73-year-old manager highlighted that he is trying to have an interaction with Moreno before the season ends, hoping for a straightforward baseball conversation. “I was hoping I’d get to see him this homestand, but he hasn’t made it here yet,” he said to The Athletic. “I just want to sit down and talk baseball with him. I’ll let them decide if I’m the guy to lead the club.” If Moreno does not appear at a game, the veteran manager plans to schedule a phone call to convey his situation. With Moreno needing to decide on Washington’s deal option by November, time is running out to clarify his role.
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When asked about his health, Washington said that his surgery will not stop him. “My health is very important,” Washington said. “But I don’t think my health is going to have anything to do with me getting back. I’ll be fully ready to get back. I do not doubt that.” He is already on daily cardio, thinking to finish rehab by December, and he has not sm*ked since the surgery.
He also highlighted that he is not interested in any front-office role. “I’m a hands-on guy,” Washington said. “And that’s not gonna stop. I’m the one who’s gonna decide when I’m not hands-on.” At the beginning of the season, the Angels were progressing with good momentum under his watch. Young stars were performing, and the team was competitive before Washington’s health setback in June.
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Still, the Angels’ depressing second half entangles the situation. Five years of slump could push ownership toward drastic changes, including bringing in a new voice altogether. Yet Washington remains hopeful, insisting, “We’re close to figuring it out. And I know I can help get them over the hump. What happened to me shouldn’t stop me from helping them get over the hump. I’m gonna recover. But the decision is not mine.” As the offseason nears, his emotional appeal to Moreno could prove crucial in shaping the Angels’ future.
Washington’s future might be in limbo, but he is not the only figure casting a shadow over the Angels’ managerial search. As the team weighs its next move, another legendary name made a quick entry and just as speedily exited the conversation as well.
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