ANAHEIM — The Angels will have a new manager in 2026.
A source told MLB.com that interim manager Ray Montgomery will also not be returning to manage in 2026. Los Angeles said its search for a new manager would begin immediately.
Washington, 73, was hired by the Angels prior to the 2024 season and the Angels went 63-99 in his first year at the helm. They improved on that mark this season under Washington, going 36-38 before he was placed on leave.
Montgomery, who had served as bench coach since 2022, took over as interim manager and went 36-52. The Angels suffered a slew of injuries late in the season and went 13-28 over their final 41 games.
The Angels have a pair of internal candidates who have no Major League or Minor League managing experience, but they have expressed a desire to manage in the big leagues. Former Angels Torii Hunter and Albert Pujols are both special assistants to general manager Perry Minasian.
Hunter said in late August that he’d manage if the right opportunity came up and joined the Angels on a few of their final road trips and their last homestand while spending time in full uniform in the dugout.
Another potential candidate with a tie to the organization is former longtime Padres and Rockies manager Bud Black. Black was the Angels’ pitching coach from 2000-06 before going on to manage in San Diego from 2007-15 and Colorado from 2017 until being fired this past May.
Former Marlins manager Skip Schumaker is also from the area, attending nearby Aliso Viejo High School. He managed in Miami from 2023-24, winning NL Manager of the Year honors in ‘23. He’s currently a senior advisor to the Rangers.
