Angels Rumors: Halos Linked to Former AL West Rival Manager for Open Job

A return to the division?

The Angels kicked off their offseason by letting go of manager Phil Nevin and opening the role up to several candidates.

Among the people linked to the job, one veteran who has plenty of familiarity with the AL West could be back in a manager spot after a reduced role in recent seasons. 

The third base coach for the Braves said last year that he still had interest in being a manager again. “Wherever [the opportunity] is, I’m gon’ build,” Washington told The Times in 2022. Washington, who managed the Rangers to two AL pennants in 2010 and 2011, is well liked and respected by players. Like Weiss, he also knows the Minasian family, his connection stemming both from overlapping tenures in Atlanta and previously with the Rangers, the only team Washington has managed (2007-14). If there was interest, the Angels would need permission from the Braves to interview him.

via Sarah Valenzuela, LA Times

Washington earned a World Series ring with Atlanta in 2021 after the Braves defeated the Astros in six games on their way to a title. 

Freddie Freeman headlined the team that made it to the Fall Classic after Ronald Acuna Jr. tore his ACL this season. 

Like Freeman, Washington could also leave the NL East champs for a spot in Southern California as he'd be a great candidate to take over the Halos. 

Talent is present on the roster as Mike Trout and Anthony Rendon will be under contract once more in 2024. 

Shohei Ohtani's return is still in question but the door remains open for the Japanese icon to continue his Halos career next season. 

Redemption will be the mentality for the Angels next season and hiring Washington would be in line with such a train of thought. 

For the manager who came one strike away from a World Series just a decade ago, a revival in Anaheim could be just what he needs for his career.