3 names for Angels to consider as Ron Washington replacements

Simply put: the relationship between the Angels and Ron Washington just is not working out. Despite (maybe) getting out of a weeks-long slump as a team, there are still several problems within the Halos clubhouse. Despite Washington's reputation as an elite defensive coach, the Angels continue to be a terrible defensive team while also consistently making mistakes on the basepaths.

Similar to Joe Maddon's tenure with the Halos, Washington was supposed to mesh analytics and old-school prowess to field a competent ball club. While that is an easier task in theory, he has not even come close to that as the Angels skipper. So whether the Angels part ways during the 2025 season or simply let his contract expire this offseason, the hunt for their next manager needs to be active now.

Having gone down the retread path multiple times since Mike Scioscia's departure, the Angels should be searching for a first-time manager who embraces the constantly changing landscape of baseball in 2025. These three names fit that criteria, and would all excite a tortured Halo fanbase.

1. Torii Hunter -Special Assistant to General Manager, Angels

Likely the first choice as manager by 99.9% of Angels fans, Torii Hunter has slowly worked his way into the Angels' organization. He was a part of the transition team to support Mike Trout in right field, and has since been named as Special Assistant to Perry Minasian, a role also held by Kurt Suzuki, Eddie Guardado, and Chris Carpenter. All of these names are worth monitoring, but Hunter would be the favorite to land the job.

Hunter was a huge mentor early on in Trout's career, and is one of the most beloved Angels of all time. He confirmed his desire to become a major league manager this past spring, and there is no doubt he would be a huge cultural change for an Angels clubhouse that has seemed poisoned for the better part of a decade. He would need an experienced staff surrounding him considering his lack of an extensive coaching career, but he'd be able to build a great staff given his popularity around the league.

2. Donnie Ecker - Hitting Coach/Offensive Coordinator

Released by the Texas Rangers earlier this season, Donnie Ecker will likely land managerial interviews for a majority of the teams looking for a new direction this offseason. Ecker was a scapegoat for the Rangers' offensive woes to start the season, and has a resume that is full of success stories. First and foremost, he was offensive coordinator for the Rangers from 2022 until his dismissal this year. In that time period they were consistently one of the best offenses in baseball as Ecker helped develop young stars and guide veterans' approaches at the plate for years.

An absolutely vital piece to the Rangers 2023 World Series win, Ecker would be a fantastic leader for an Angels clubhouse that has largely lacked direction offensively since Trout's arrival in the bigs. Ecker served as hitting coach for the Salt Lake Bees in 2018, and has been in the majors since then. A homecoming for Ecker may not make Halo fans as enthusiastic as Hunter Jr. would, but an offensive mind to develop the likes of Zach Neto (who may already be a star), Logan O'Hoppe and Nolan Schanuel into their prime years could be the key to the next Halo playoff team.

3. Ruben Niebla - Pitching Coach, San Diego Padres

If the Angels want to go in the other direction, there may not be a better choice than Ruben Niebla. Donned as the "Pitcher Whisperer" by the San Diego faithful, he is currently responsible for the best bullpen and rotation in MLB. The Padres are well aware of his importance, as signing Niebla to an extension this offseason was the biggest move the front office made.

Niebla also played a huge role in Cleveland from 2019-2021, where the Guardians consistently boasted one of the top staffs in the league. Most recently, he turned Stephen Kolek (career 4.62 ERA in the minors) into a star, as Kolek as allowed no runs in his first two major league starts.

Given the aforementioned young Angels are largely proven players, Niebla could be the more favorable option given the youth of the Halos' top young pitchers. José Soriano, Jack Kochanowicz, and Reid Detmers have all found some success in the majors, and Niebla could fully unlock their potential. Top prospects Caden Dana, Ryan Johnson, and George Klassen could all greatly benefit from Niebla as well as they all near the major league rotation.

Hunter, Ecker, and Niebla are all fantastic options to replace Washington after this season. Whether it be the culture change Hunter offers, the offensive gameplan Ecker brings to the table, or the proven pitching expertise of Niebla, each candidate would bring a much-needed organizational shift to Anaheim as the next generation of Angels' stars find their way.

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