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4w ago

Angels Hire Kurt Suzuki as Manager After Pujols Talks Collapse

The first-time skipper arrives from a special assistant role to GM Perry Minasian, signaling a front‑office–aligned reset for a franchise stuck in a decade of losing.

Jun 2, 2022; Bronx, New York, USA; Los Angeles Angels catcher Kurt Suzuki (24) runs to first after hitting an RBI single against the New York Yankees during the eighth inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
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OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 04: Kurt Suzuki #24 of the Los Angeles Angels looks on from the dugout before the game against the Oakland Athletics at RingCentral Coliseum on October 04, 2022 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
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Overview

  • The Angels are set to name former catcher Kurt Suzuki as their next manager, according to multiple reports from ESPN, AP and others.
  • Suzuki, 42, has no professional coaching experience and spent the past three seasons as a special assistant to general manager Perry Minasian.
  • Talks with early front-runner Albert Pujols ended over differences on coaches, resources and compensation, and he is drawing interest from the Padres and Orioles.
  • The move follows the team’s decision not to bring back Ron Washington after his midseason heart surgery absence, with interim Ray Montgomery also not returning for 2026.
  • Los Angeles finished 72-90 in 2025 and carries MLB’s longest active playoff drought, heightening pressure on Suzuki as the club addresses persistent pitching issues and frequent managerial turnover.