Derek Shelton got a tough reminder of that truth this week after being let go as manager of the Pittsburgh Pirates. Despite entering his sixth season, a 12-36 start sealed his fate.
One name being floated as a potential replacement? Former Rangers skipper and current Angels manager, Ron Washington. Washington is in his second year with Los Angeles, but the results haven’t been encouraging—they’re 43 games under .500 during his tenure.
After a dismal 63-99 campaign in 2024 that left them at the bottom of the AL West, Angels fans didn’t expect much this season. But the team came out with surprising energy in the opening weeks. Unfortunately, the momentum didn’t last.
Ironically, their slide began in mid-April with a three-game sweep at the hands of the Rangers in Arlington. Since then, they’ve gone just 6-13, sinking back to last in the division.
Shelton’s early dismissal wasn’t exactly shocking. Since taking over in Pittsburgh, the team consistently finished in the bottom tier of the NL Central, and even some players weren’t surprised by the move.
As for the Angels, they’re 15-22 through 37 games, sitting seven games behind in the division with a -64 run differential—the second-worst in the American League and fourth-worst overall.
Washington, 73, wasn’t brought in as a long-term fix. He’s in the final year of a two-year contract signed after the team parted ways with Phil Nevin. Given the continued struggles, the organization might look to make a change sooner rather than later to jumpstart a new era.
But as Rangers fans, we’re in no position to judge. There’s still a possibility that Bruce Bochy doesn’t finish the season. He’s also in the last year of his deal, and the team has been faltering. After already firing hitting coach Donnie Ecker on May 4, Bochy could be next if the tide doesn’t turn.
In the end, managing in the big leagues is a revolving door—uncertain, unpredictable, and anything but easy.