The Los Angeles Angels are preparing for a change in leadership as they search for a new manager for the 2026 season and beyond. Reports from The Athletic’s Sam Blum confirm that Ron Washington, who became the Angels’ manager before the 2024 season, will not be returning. Additionally, interim manager Ray Montgomery will also not be returning for the next season.
Washington’s tenure with the Angels began with a challenging 63-99 record in his first year. The following season saw him manage the team to a 40-40 record before he had to step down due to health concerns, specifically to undergo quadruple bypass heart surgery. Just eight weeks post-surgery, Washington made a brief visit to the team, expressing his recovery was progressing well and his spirits were high, but he acknowledged his visit was more about morale than work.
Montgomery, who stepped in as the interim manager, completed the season with the Angels finishing at 72-90, extending their playoff drought to an eleventh straight season. The management situation remains fluid, and there is no confirmed information about general manager Perry Minasian’s future with the team.
As the offseason unfolds, the Angels will focus on finding a new leader who can potentially turn around the team’s fortunes and address their long-standing streak without playoff appearances. This managerial change may offer new strategies and approaches to break the cycle of missed opportunities and revitalize the team for future seasons.