The Los Angeles Angels have made a major decision regarding their managerial situation heading into 2027. The Angels declined the 2027 option on Kurt Suzuki’s contract Wednesday, ending his tenure as manager after just one season and setting the stage for the MLB club to begin searching for a new manager and coaching staff.
Angels move on after franchise-record season
Suzuki’s first season as a major league manager ended with the Angels going 62-100, the first 100-loss season in franchise history. Los Angeles finished last in the American League West, bringing an abrupt end to Suzuki’s first year in the dugout.
The decision was announced by baseball operations consultant John Mozeliak, who said the organization had held discussions about the direction of the franchise heading into 2027. Those conversations ultimately led to the decision to pursue a new manager and coaching staff.
Suzuki had taken over the Angels after previously spending time within the organization as a special assistant. The former catcher also finished his 16-year MLB playing career with Los Angeles in 2021-22, making his transition into the manager’s role a notable return to the franchise.
Despite the decision to move on, the Angels clearly value Suzuki’s presence within the organization. The club has offered him an opportunity to remain with the team as a special assistant, a position he previously held from 2023 through 2025.
Angels begin search for seventh manager since 2018
The Angels’ decision creates another significant opening for a franchise that has experienced considerable turnover in the manager’s office. Suzuki’s replacement will be the seventh manager, including interim managers, to lead Los Angeles since Mike Scioscia’s departure following the 2018 season.
That search will now become one of the organization’s most important offseason decisions. With Suzuki no longer returning as manager, Los Angeles will also look to determine which members of his coaching staff will remain with the club.
Mozeliak indicated that some members of the coaching staff have been offered opportunities to remain within the organization, while the Angels conduct their broader search for a new leadership group.
The managerial change comes as the Angels enter another pivotal offseason. After reaching triple digits in losses for the first time in franchise history, the organization will hope a new manager can help provide a different direction in 2027. Suzuki, meanwhile, could remain part of that process in a different role if he accepts the special-assistant position.
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