New San Francisco Giants head coach Tony Vitello is reportedly close to making his first addition to the team's coaching staff. Former Los Angeles Angels manager Ron Washington will join the Giants as the team's infield coach, according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today.
Washington, 73, managed the Angels for two seasons before the team broke up with him based on the results of the 2025 season. He played just 74 games for the team last season. due to heart surgery. Washington had intended to return for the 2026 season before his firing.
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Although Washington's tenure with the Angels did not go as planned (he had a .419 winning percentage in two seasons), he was a successful manager in the past. In eight seasons with the Texas Rangers, Washington posted a .521 winning percentage and led the team to two straight World Series appearances.
With the head coaching job not in Washington's plans this offseason, he will return to coaching infielders. It's a role Washington has mastered over his career. The longtime trainer is considered one of the best, if not the best, infield gurus. He is credited with turning around a number of outfielders, with one of his biggest wins being Marcus Semien, who greatly improved his defense when he and Washington worked together with the Athletics.
Washington was also “Wash”, mentioned in the “Moneyball” scene with Scott Hatteberg. Although this is a fictional version of what happened, Washington was the team's infield coach when Hatteberg moved from catcher to first base.
Additionally, it appears that the scene in question was not as fictional as Washington claimed. played out similarly in real life.
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This move does give some insight into how Vitello, who is making unprecedented jump from college to pro — wants the Giants to act. He clearly values ​​defense, and Washington already has several strong players in San Francisco, including Matt Chapman and Willie Adams.
Adams and Chapman are among the players who don't need a high level of attention from Washington, as they are already among the best defenders at their positions. However, the rest of the Giants' infield will get a defensive masterclass from one of the best defensive coaches around.
