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.
Popular Atlanta Braves third base coach Ron Washington is interested in Houston Astros' open manager position, @_JeremyBooth and I have learned.
— Jason Bristol (@JBristolKHOU) October 30, 2023
Washington, 71, is beloved by Braves players.
As a manager, twice guided Rangers to World Series (2010 & 2011).@KHOU
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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.