The San Francisco Giants are bringing in a familiar and highly respected figure to their coaching staff, hiring longtime baseball veteran Ron Washington as their new infield coach for the upcoming season.
Washington, now 73, has been a staple in Major League Baseball dugouts for nearly three decades. His resume is as deep as it is impressive, with coaching and managerial stops that have touched nearly every corner of the league. From his early days with the Oakland A’s to leading the Texas Rangers to back-to-back World Series appearances, and most recently managing the Angels, Washington has seen-and done-just about everything in the game.
This latest chapter brings him to San Francisco, where he’ll play a crucial role in shaping the Giants’ infield defense. It’s a savvy move for a team looking to blend veteran leadership with a roster that’s balancing proven talent and emerging youth.
A Coaching Legacy Built on Fundamentals and Fire
Washington’s coaching career began in earnest with the A’s, where he served as a first base coach, third base coach, and infield specialist from 1996 to 2006. His impact on infield defense during that stretch became his calling card-he’s long been known as one of the best infield instructors in the game. His attention to detail, relentless energy, and ability to connect with players have made him a favorite in every clubhouse he’s entered.
In 2007, Washington took over as manager of the Texas Rangers and helped turn the franchise into a legitimate contender. Under his leadership, the Rangers reached the World Series in 2010 and 2011. Though they came up short both times-falling to the Giants in 2010 and the Cardinals in a heartbreaking seven-game series in 2011-Washington’s impact on the Rangers’ culture and development was undeniable.
Interestingly, one of the key players in that 2010 Giants team that topped Washington’s Rangers was a then-rookie catcher named Buster Posey. Fast forward to today, and Posey is now the Giants’ president of baseball operations-bringing things full circle as he helps bring Washington into the fold.
From Dugout to Dugout: A Journey Through the Game
After his managerial run in Texas, Washington returned to Oakland for two seasons in 2015 and 2016, once again embracing his roots as a third base and infield coach. When the Braves were searching for a new manager in the 2016-17 offseason, Washington was in the mix. Though Atlanta ultimately chose Brian Snitker to lead the team, they still saw immense value in Washington’s presence and hired him to the coaching staff.
That decision paid off in a big way. Washington spent seven seasons with the Braves, serving as their third base coach and infield guru. His fingerprints were all over Atlanta’s defensive improvements, and he played a key role in their 2021 World Series championship.
In the 2023-24 offseason, Washington got another shot at managing, this time with the Los Angeles Angels. But his time in Anaheim was cut short.
The 2024 season was a rough one for the Halos, who dropped 99 games and finished at the bottom of the AL West. In 2025, Washington managed just 74 games before stepping away due to health concerns.
He later revealed he had undergone a quadruple bypass surgery. Bench coach Ray Montgomery took over in the interim, and while Washington expressed interest in returning for 2026, the Angels opted to go in a different direction, hiring former catcher Kurt Suzuki to lead a new era.
A Veteran Voice for a Young Club
Now, Washington heads to San Francisco for what will be his 21st season as a major league coach. Add in his decade as a manager, and you’re looking at over 30 years of experience at the highest level of the sport. That kind of tenure doesn’t happen by accident-it’s built on respect, results, and an unrelenting passion for the game.
The Giants will lean on that experience in several key ways. Washington will inherit a strong left side of the infield with Matt Chapman and Willy Adames-two elite defenders in their own right. But perhaps more importantly, he’ll play a major role in helping Rafael Devers and young slugger Bryce Eldridge continue their development at first base, a position that requires more nuance and footwork than it often gets credit for.
And let’s not overlook the impact Washington can have on new manager Tony Vitello. Vitello is making the jump from the college ranks to the big leagues, and having a seasoned voice like Washington’s on the bench will be invaluable. From managing egos in the clubhouse to making split-second decisions during games, Vitello will have a trusted advisor by his side as he navigates the transition.
Bottom Line
Ron Washington isn’t just another coach-he’s one of baseball’s most respected minds, a teacher at heart, and a leader by nature. The Giants’ decision to bring him aboard signals a commitment to fundamentals, player development, and building a cohesive, defensively sound infield. With Washington in the mix, San Francisco adds a steady hand and a wealth of knowledge to a team looking to turn potential into production.
