MLB

MLB Offseason Round-Up: Angels Hire Washington, Hoskins Likely Moving On

Published

6 months ago

November 9, 2023

Another managerial vacancy has been filled this MLB offseason. The Los Angeles Angels have hired Ron Washington to be the club’s next manager.

Washington, who took the Rangers to back-to-back World Series as manager in 2010-11, had been serving as the Braves third base coach since 2016.

Washington’s hiring is the yet another position filled across the league. The Padres, Brewers and Astros are the remaining teams still in search of a new manager.

As hot stove rumors continue to swirl, Phillies general manager Dave Dombrowski told Chelsea James of the Washington Post that Bryce Harper will play first base moving forward. Dombrowski informed Rhys Hoskins, who is a free agent, of the decision.

With Hoskins all but guaranteed to be playing elsewhere next season, the Cubs, Pirates, Angels, Rockies and Brewers are among the teams who could be looking for help at first base.

Elsewhere, Alex Verdugo has been widely speculated as a potential trade chip this MLB offseason. New Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow said the team is already receiving inquiries on the outfielder, reports Pete Abraham of the Boston Globe.

Verdugo, 27, is arbitration-eligible for the final time this winter before he hits the free agent market next offseason. This past season with Boston, Verdugo hit .264 with a .745 OPS, 37 doubles, 13 home runs and 54 RBIs in 142 games.

The Dodgers figure to be an active team this offseason and will be looking for a corner outfielder. They are reportedly interested in outfielder Teoscar Hernández, according to Jorge Castillo of the Los Angeles Times.

Hernández spent last season with the Mariners after a six-year run with the Blue Jays. With Seattle, the 31-year-old slashed .258/.305/.435 with 26 home runs and 93 RBIs.