ATLANTA- When Freddie Freeman left Atlanta for the Dodgers in free agency, there were mixed feelings among the Braves faithful. Some were angry, some were devastated, and some came up with conspiracy theories to explain how Atlanta could have possibly let Freeman get away. But, this time there is a consensus of sadness among fans as Braves legend and franchise favorite Ron Washington is leaving the Braves organization to become the manager of the LA Angels.

Washington has spent the last seven years with the Braves and is a familiar sight down the third baseline. His comedic timing and positive spirit burrowed its way into the hearts of fans and players alike.

“He’s everything you could want, he deserves the opportunity. He’s excited. Obviously I’m excited for him,” said Braves president of baseball operations and general manager Alex Anthopoulos in an interview with ESPN. “It’s a huge loss for us. I emphasize that in caps, bold, italicized, all of it. Huge void. But I had six years with him, and I can’t imagine I’ll be around a guy like that in my entire career.”

At age 71, Washington continues to break down barriers. As manager of the Angels, Washington becomes the oldest manager in the MLB and one of two African-American managers alongside LA Dodgers manager Dave Roberts. 

Washington has a good history as a manager. In a seven- year stent with the Texas Rangers, he held an overall record of 664-611 and led the Rangers to back-to-back World Series appearances in 2010 and 2011.

But, Washington will be inserted into a tenuous situation in LA. Despite a roster that boasts two of the greatest baseball players to take the field in Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani, the Angels have been a notoriously poor ball club. They haven’t won a playoff game since 2009 and haven’t finished above .500 since 2015. Washington will be their fifth manager in seven years. Add into the mix that Ohtani is likely to leave the team in free agency during the offseason and it’s not exactly a recipe for success. But, among all of the bad decisions the Angels have made, hiring Washington is a good one. 

Rebuilding under a veteran manager is proven to be beneficial for many franchises and a rebuild is likely the direction the Angels are headed. It is important to note that Washington may be able to sure up the Angel’s pitching, which outside of Ohtani was nothing short of abysmal this past season. Their collective ERA was 4.69, 23 in the MLB. 

When Washington first joined the Rangers in 2007, they finished with a collective ERA of 4.75. Then in 2008 it was 5.37 and 4.38 in 2009. But, in 2010 things took a turn for the better as for four straight years the Rangers bullpen finished with a collective ERA of under 4.00. Their best year was in 2013 when they finished with a 3.62.

Washington will be sorely missed by the Braves, but his contribution and joy that he brought to the diamond in Atlanta will live on in the hearts of many. As for what happens in LA, only time will tell.