Angels Part Ways with Ron Washington; Ray Montgomery Won’t Return

The Los Angeles Angels are gearing up for a big transition in 2026. The team just confirmed they’ll bring in a new manager after another tough season.

Ron Washington’s health concerns forced him to step away, and interim skipper Ray Montgomery is also out. Now, the Angels are hunting for a fresh leader to steer the franchise back toward relevance. Some interesting names are already popping up, from beloved ex-players to seasoned dugout vets.

Ron Washington’s Tenure Comes to an End

Ron Washington came on board ahead of the 2024 season. People saw him as a respected, steady presence who could guide the Angels through a tricky roster shift.

He led the team to a rough 63-99 record that first year. In 2025, things improved only a little, and he posted a 36-38 mark before stepping away for health reasons in June.

Washington underwent quadruple bypass surgery, so a return to the dugout seemed out of reach. The Angels decided not to pick up his option for 2026, closing the book on his time with the club.

His leadership drew plenty of praise, but the team just couldn’t get over the hump.

Interim Leadership and Late-Season Struggles

Bench coach Ray Montgomery took over as interim manager. He couldn’t stop the team’s slide, finishing 36-52.

The Angels stumbled to a 13-28 record over their last 41 games. Injuries piled up and wrecked any momentum they’d built earlier.

The late-season collapse put bigger roster and structural issues in the spotlight. Montgomery brought some steadiness, but the organization won’t bring him back.

Candidates Emerging for 2026 Manager Role

As soon as the news broke, names started swirling about possible replacements. The list includes former Angels stars and proven MLB managers.

Former Angels Greats in the Mix

Two big names—Torii Hunter and Albert Pujols—have shown interest in managing. Neither has managed in the majors, but both have loads of playing experience and leadership chops.

• Hunter spent time with the team late in the season, working hands-on with players and coaches.
• Pujols has managed in the Dominican Winter League and will lead the Dominican Republic in the upcoming World Baseball Classic.

Veteran Managers Also in Play

The Angels are also eyeing some experienced skippers. Bud Black, once an Angels pitching coach and now a veteran manager, is in the conversation.

Skip Schumaker, who won 2023 National League Manager of the Year with the Marlins, is another contender. Black brings a steady, tactical approach and deep pitching know-how. Schumaker offers a fresh, modern style that might click with the Angels’ younger core.

A Pivotal Moment for the Franchise

With Washington and Montgomery both gone, the Angels face a real crossroads. The team’s endured back-to-back rough seasons, so this managerial change could reset everything—culture, strategy, maybe even some luck.

Injuries haven’t helped, but the team still needs better pitching, steadier defense, and more depth at the plate. Whoever steps in will find both challenges and plenty of potential—there’s star power here, but also some glaring holes to fill.

Search Begins Immediately

The Angels confirmed they’re starting their search for a new manager right away. Jumping in early might give them a real shot at landing their top choice before the 2026 season gets close.

This timing could let the new manager actually influence offseason moves and set the tone for spring training. For fans, there’s a lot riding on this—everyone’s hoping the next hire finally brings a winning attitude back to Anaheim.

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