MLB Rumors: Braves' Ron Washington Eyes Replacing Dusty Baker as Astros Manager

Following Dusty Baker's retirement, Atlanta Braves' third base coach Ron Washington appears to be interested in the Houston Astros managerial opening, according to KHOU 11 Houston's Jason Bristol.

Washington, 71, has been with Atlanta since 2017 and is beloved by the players in the Braves' clubhouse. He has previous managing experience, having had a very successful stint with the Texas Rangers from 2007-2014.

It is unclear whether the Astros have mutual interest in bringing Washington aboard. He and Houston's general manager Dana Brown worked together in Atlanta from 2019-2022.

Following an MLB career that spanned over a decade with five different ball clubs, Washington went into coaching a few years after his retirement, beginning with the Oakland Athletics from 1996-2006 before taking the Rangers' job.

Washington oversaw one of the best periods in Texas' franchise history, leading the organization to the AL Pennant in both 2010 and 2011, ultimately losing in the World Series against the San Francisco Giants and St. Louis Cardinals, respectively.

Nearing the end of an ugly 2014 campaign, Washington resigned from his post as the Rangers' manager with the team at 53-87 when he stepped down. He cited personal reasons as the cause of his resignation.

His Texas career ended with a managerial record of 664-611.

Since then, Washington returned to coaching in 2015 with the Athletics before heading to Atlanta and winning a World Series in 2021 as part of Brian Snitker's staff.

If he is chosen to replace Baker in Houston, he'll have some big shoes to fill. Baker finished seventh all-time in managerial wins and led the Astros to at least the ALCS in every season with the organization.

Washington would be taking over a team that is primed to contend for another World Series title.