Angels Hire Kurt Suzuki as Manager Amid Longest Playoff Drought
UPDATE: The Los Angeles Angels have officially hired Kurt Suzuki as their new manager, sources confirm to ESPN. This urgent decision comes as the franchise grapples with the longest playoff drought in Major League Baseball history.
Suzuki, 42, steps into this crucial role without any prior professional coaching experience. He previously played for 16 years with five teams, notably contributing to the 2019 World Series victory with the Washington Nationals. For the past three years, he served as a special assistant to Angels general manager Perry Minasian.
This managerial change follows the departure of Ron Washington, who missed nearly half of the 2025 season due to health issues, including a quadruple bypass surgery. Interim manager Ray Montgomery has been reassigned but was not considered for the full-time position.
Suzuki takes the helm of a team rich in offensive potential but struggling with pitching depth. Star shortstop Zach Neto is among the league’s elite players, while outfielders Jo Adell and Taylor Ward combined for an impressive 73 home runs in 2025. Fan-favorite Mike Trout remains under contract through 2030, bolstering the team’s core, which also includes catcher Logan O’Hoppe and first baseman Nolan Schanuel.
However, the Angels face significant challenges as their pitching rotation is uncertain, with only Yusei Kikuchi and Jose Soriano providing stability. The bullpen is also filled with question marks, complicating their chances in a competitive division featuring the Seattle Mariners, who narrowly missed the World Series.
Suzuki’s appointment marks the fifth manager for the Angels since Mike Scioscia ended his historic 19-year tenure in 2018. Under Scioscia, the Angels celebrated their only World Series championship in 2002 and secured five AL West titles from 2004 to 2009. Unfortunately, the Angels have not won a playoff game since 2009 and have only made the postseason once—getting swept by the Kansas City Royals in 2014.
The 2025 season concluded with a dismal 72-90 record, marking the team’s 10th consecutive losing season. Fans have expressed their frustration with owner Arte Moreno, who has faced criticism for his involvement in baseball operations and decisions that have not panned out, including the choice not to trade Shohei Ohtani before he entered free agency.
As the Angels embark on this new chapter with Suzuki at the helm, baseball fans are keen to see if he can reverse the franchise’s fortunes and bring them back to relevancy. The upcoming offseason will be critical as the organization seeks to build a competitive roster capable of breaking this persistent playoff drought.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
