Kurt Suzuki won't return as Angels manager

Jeff Fletcher, The Orange County Register on Oct 21, 2026

Published in Baseball

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ANAHEIM, Calif. — Kurt Suzuki will not return as the Angels’ manager in 2027, the team announced on Wednesday, less than four weeks after interim general manager John Mozeliak said that he thought Suzuki did a good job.

Suzuki, who had a one-year contract with an option, will be offered a position to stay in the organization as a special assistant.

In making the announcement, the Angels said the decision was made in coordination with Kroenke Sports & Entertainment, which has entered into an agreement to purchase the team from Arte Moreno. The deal is expected to close in the first quarter of 2027.

“As we look toward 2027 and beyond, I have had thoughtful conversations internally and with Kroenke Sports & Entertainment’s leadership about the future of Angels Baseball and the direction of our organization,” Mozeliak said in the statement released by the Angels. “Those conversations have shaped the decision to seek a new manager and coaching staff for the 2027 season. Kurt has earned tremendous respect in our clubhouse, and I’ve seen first-hand how much he cares about our players. I do not believe our record this year was a true reflection of his abilities as a manager. I’m pleased we were able to offer Kurt a role to stay on as a special assistant, where his knowledge of our players and his perspective would continue to be valuable to the organization. I would also like to thank the entire coaching staff for their professionalism and hard work throughout a very difficult season. We value their expertise and have offered some members of the staff positions within the organization.”

The Angels finished 62-100 in Suzuki’s only year at the helm, suffering the first 100-loss season in franchise history.

“Definitely wasn’t surprising,” Suzuki said. “Obviously with new ownership coming in, they’re going to have their touches on things and obviously the manager is a big position. I’ve been in this game a long time. I haven’t been through an ownership change, but I know when leadership changes, they bring in their people that they want. I know it’s part of the gig. It is what it is.”

Suzuki, 43, said he’s unsure if he will accept the special assistant position with the Angels, because he’s already received some interest from other organizations about major league jobs.

There was no timetable given for the hiring of a new manager. The Angels are one of three teams in the market for a new manager, joining the Seattle Mariners and Houston Astros.

The decision also could hinge on what the Angels do with their GM position. Mozeliak, who has been on the job as the interim GM since June, said last month that the new ownership group was also deciding how they want to handle that role. Mozeliak is under contract through December.

The next manager will be the Angels’ eighth manager in 10 seasons, including when Ray Montgomery was the acting manager after Ron Washington’s heart surgery.

Albert Pujols, who was considered the favorite for the job before Suzuki was hired a year ago, could re-emerge as a candidate. Former Angels outfielder Torii Hunter, who was also a candidate last year, is another possibility.

Otherwise, it’s difficult to project what type of manager KSE would favor. It’s unclear if they would want to give another first-time manager an opportunity, or hire someone with experience.

Mozeliak’s endorsement of Suzuki had been based on his perception of how well he handled the clubhouse. He also suggested that the record was a reflection of the roster more than the manager.

Suzuki said in August that he had learned from his mistakes in his first year and believed he could improve.

On Wednesday, Suzuki said it was a difficult season because the Angels dealt with so many changes. Molly Jolly took over as team president in spring training. Perry Minasian was fired as GM in June. The Angels fired their pitching coaches in August.

“I think through all the turmoil that we went through, I feel like the clubhouse always was strong,” Suzuki said. “The guys never gave up. They played to the end.”