He was nonetheless scouted while playing sandlot ball by Jim Guinn, who worked for the Oakland Athletics.

Guinn signed Washington as an undrafted free agent to a contract worth US$3,000 (equivalent to approximately $18,500 in 2020) in 1972.

Prior to the 1977 season, Washington was traded to the Texas Rangers for second baseman Rodney Scott and left-handed pitcher Jim Umbarger.

[3] Washington was dealt along with Rusty Torres from the Rangers to the Chicago White Sox for Bobby Bonds on May 16, 1978.

On July 14, 1979, while playing for the Chicago White Sox, Washington hit three home runs in one game.

[7] He became the third player to hit three home runs in a game in both the AL and the National League (NL), after Babe Ruth and Johnny Mize.

In 1986, he was given a 60-day suspension but was allowed to continue playing if he donated five percent of his base salary and contributed 50 hours of drug-related community service.

[8][9] Washington was traded in June 1986, from the Braves to the New York Yankees, along with Paul Zuvella, for outfielder Ken Griffey, Sr. and infielder Andre Robertson.