Overview
- Suzuki, 42, is a former All-Star catcher and 2019 World Series champion who spent the past three seasons as a special assistant to GM Perry Minasian and has no prior MLB coaching experience.
- Multiple outlets report the decision was reached Tuesday, elevating the ex-Angels backstop to lead a club seeking stability after consecutive last-place finishes.
- Pujols, once the frontrunner, exited the process after differences on coaches, resources and pay; he met Minasian in St. Louis earlier this month but the sides could not agree on years or dollars.
- Torii Hunter was also removed from consideration, leaving Suzuki as the internal candidate selected to replace Ron Washington, who missed nearly half the season following heart surgery.
- Pujols remains in the market for other vacancies, with the Padres planning to interview him and the Orioles also linked, as the Angels look to end a 10-season losing stretch and the majors’ longest playoff drought.