Ron Washington won two pennants with the Texas Rangers, but resigned due to personal matters and has since found a home with the Atlanta Braves. Washington is beloved by Braves players, but is clearly playing below his weight as a coach. Were he to take over a contending team -- say the Houston Astros -- he would pick up right where Dusty Baker left off. FanSided's Robert Murray initially listed Washington as a candidate for the Houston opening.
"But Washington is ready to manage again. In 2021, he told FanSided when asked about the possibility of becoming the Padres' manager: 'I think I'm qualified. I think I can get that team over the hump. That's my thinking. … I'm definitely able to get them where they want to go.'...Surely his thinking would be similar with the Astros and considering his previous time working with now-Astros general manager Dana Brown in Atlanta, Washington could be a name to watch here."
Washington is more than a name to watch, as more recent reports have stated the Braves assistant is interested in leading his own show with Houston, if given the opportunity.
While Astros fans would prefer a younger, player-friendly voice who could relate to their veterans more than Dusty Baker did, clearly Baker's presence was appreciated. Washington is only a few years younger, and would have immediate respect in a winning locker room. That is tough to find elsewhere.
However, if Washington left Atlanta, he could also potentially bring some new faces with him. While not a large factor given the Braves tend to keep their own around, it's something the Astros need to consider.
Ron Washington could bring Vaughn Grissom to the Astros
It's well known that Washington and Vaughn Grissom are close. Grissom was presumed the Braves shortstop of the future before he lost the job to Orlando Arcia in spring training. Now, Grissom is essentially position-less, and doesn't have a long-term spot on the Atlanta roster. While Alex Anthopoulos won't say it, trading Grissom could be in their best interest, as he's one of their more intriguing assets.
Were Washington to leave for the Astros, they could certainly use Grissom -- but not at shortstop. Jeremy Peña has that position down. However, Houston is a smart organization which recognizes talent. If Grissom is a good clubhouse presence who makes Washington comfortable and has a productive bat, they will find him playing time -- heck, this team employed Martin Maldonado for years!
Grissom is talented, there's no denying it. He can play second base, shortstop, possibly corner outfield and could even learn first base if required. There's real potential available, and Houston should seek it out.
Ron Washington should recruit Travis d'Arnaud to Astros
The Braves signed Travis d'Arnaud to a one-year extension through next season so he would avoid the free-agent market this winter. That was smart, as d'Arnaud is arguably the best backup catcher in baseball.
d'Arnaud plays plenty for the Braves, sliding in at DH or catcher depending on who needs an off day. He plays over 100 games a season and is one of the better hitting backstops in the NL. He's also very solid defensively, which would make him an attractive commodity in Houston.
The Astros have to make a tough decision on Martin Maldonado this offseason. Yainer Diaz is still young and relatively inexperienced. Former Houston manager Dusty Baker did not fully trust him for a reason. However, Maldonado hit under the mendoza line. That cannot fly.
d'Arnaud would be costly via trade, but the Astros can afford it, especially as they try to extend their dynasty.
Ron Washington should recruit Max Fried to the Astros
Max Fried isn't a free agent just yet -- that isn't until after the 2024 season. However, his future is far from uncertain. Fried is set to enter arbitration again this offseason, and those negotiations tend to turn ugly. The cost of keeping Max Fried could be up to $200 million on a long-term contract. He just turned 30 and will enter free agency with the majority of his pitching prime left. He is a bonafide ace.
Alex Anthopoulos isn't averse to giving out long-term deals, though he also does a tremendous job of standing pat when the moment isn't right. Dansby Swanson and Freddie Freeman were on similar timelines to Fried -- over 30, and perhaps past their primes. Fried is different because he's not a pitcher who relies heavily on velocity.
Were Fried to reach the open market, he'd be tempted to sign closer to home in California. Teams like the Dodgers and Angels would surely be interested. Washington's relationship with Fried isn't direct. Fried works primarily with Braves pitching coach Rick Kranitz. But some familiarity can only help matters, and the Astros do need some pitching depth. Acquiring Fried could be the one big swing they need to return to World Series prominence.
