Ron Washington won two pennants with the Texas Rangers, but resigned due to personal matters and has since found a home with the Atlanta Braves. Washington is beloved by Braves players, but is clearly playing below his weight as a coach. Were he to take over a contending team -- say the Houston Astros -- he would pick up right where Dusty Baker left off. FanSided's Robert Murray initially listed Washington as a candidate for the Houston opening.
"But Washington is ready to manage again. In 2021, he told FanSided when asked about the possibility of becoming the Padres’ manager: 'I think I’m qualified. I think I can get that team over the hump. That’s my thinking. … I’m definitely able to get them where they want to go.'...Surely his thinking would be similar with the Astros and considering his previous time working with now-Astros general manager Dana Brown in Atlanta, Washington could be a name to watch here."
Washington is more than a name to watch, as more recent reports have stated the Braves assistant is interested in leading his own show with Houston, if given the opportunity.
While Astros fans would prefer a younger, player-friendly voice who could relate to their veterans more than Dusty Baker did, clearly Baker's presence was appreciated. Washington is only a few years younger, and would have immediate respect in a winning locker room. That is tough to find elsewhere.
However, if Washington left Atlanta, he could also potentially bring some new faces with him. While not a large factor given the Braves tend to keep their own around, it's something the Astros need to consider.