Will Ron Washington return to the Angels’ dugout in 2026, or is a new face on the horizon? GM Perry Minasian is tight-lipped, focusing on Washington’s recovery while the veteran manager passionately vows to return. The future of the Los Angeles Angels’ leadership hangs in the balance. What’s your take on this unfolding MLB drama?

The future leadership of the Los Angeles Angels’ dugout has been thrown into question following general manager Perry Minasian’s recent non-committal stance on the team’s manager for the 2026 season. This comes amidst ongoing health concerns for current interim manager Ron Washington, creating a delicate balance between loyalty, performance, and strategic planning within the MLB franchise.

Currently, interim manager Ray Montgomery has stepped into the demanding role, guiding the team while Washington focuses on his recovery from a recent medical procedure. Montgomery’s leadership provides a temporary solution, but the long-term vision for the Los Angeles Angels remains clouded by uncertainty.

Despite his extended medical leave, which will keep him sidelined for the remainder of the current season, the 73-year-old Washington has vocally expressed his fervent desire to return to the helm. “It’s my passion. … I miss baseball. This is my life, and if Perry will have me back, I’m certainly wanting to come back and finish what we started,” he declared, highlighting his deep connection to the sport and the team.

When pressed on who would occupy the Angels manager role in 2026, Minasian pointedly declined to offer a definitive answer. His response underscored the organization’s primary focus on Washington’s immediate health and well-being, sidestepping any premature discussions about the team’s future leadership beyond the current season.

As the oldest manager in MLB, Washington’s tenure with the Angels prior to his leave saw the team hovering around a .500 record, keeping them surprisingly competitive in the Wild Card race. This performance, though not stellar, demonstrated his ability to rally the team and maintain a respectable position in a challenging division.

From his recovery, Washington has been closely observing the team’s performance under Montgomery. He expressed admiration for their resilience and effort, even as the team appears to be struggling in the competitive Wild Card standings. This continued engagement showcases his dedication, even when away from the dugout.

The situation presents a complex dilemma for the Los Angeles Angels front office: honor a beloved manager’s wish to return, or strategically plan for the future with a potentially younger, long-term MLB manager. Minasian’s silence suggests a thoughtful, albeit evasive, approach to a decision that will undoubtedly shape the team’s trajectory for the 2026 MLB season and beyond.