Angels Rumors: Ron Washington Hire May Help Halos Big in Free Agency

The decision may already be paying off!

The Angels will be looking in all sorts of directions this offseason to improve their roster, and they want to field a competitive team in 2024. They could have some trouble in that department, but their one big move this offseason may already be paying off.

It seems that the team’s decision to hire manager Ron Washington may help them on the free agent market. He is loved around the league, and it could allow them to land some players who may not have been interested without him in the mix.

“One Angels official, speaking on condition of anonymity because the team has not yet formally introduced Washington, said player agents have responded positively to the hiring, noting perhaps a greater interest among their clients in playing in Anaheim.”

Per Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic

Washington has been seen as a great move for this franchise that has historically made poor decisions. He will bring some stability to them, but he is 71 years old, so the likelihood of him being around long-term is low.

And even with Washington in the mix, the Angels are still owned by Arte Moreno, and his reputation across the league is important as well.

“Owner Arte Moreno’s reputation for impetuousness precedes him. General manager Perry Minasian is under contract for only one more season. Washington received only a two-year deal. As much as Washington should help, there might be only so much he can do with his new team.”

Per Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic

The Angels made a good hire in Washington, but they have still had years of mediocrity that has left them in poor standing with players. The team has taken big swings, but they haven’t panned out in the way anyone would have hoped.

We can give them credit for trying to win over the years, but the team hasn’t seen much success on the field despite having two of the best players in the game on the roster. It is likely to see Shohei Ohtani leave the organization and has been a big reason why the organization hasn’t reached the postseason since 2014.

This offseason is going to be very critical for the team, as they try to get themselves back on track. The hope is that Washington can help alleviate some issues, but until things change in how they conduct business, it will be more of the same.