Sources: Angels to hire Kurt Suzuki as manager

"The Los Angeles Angels are hiring Kurt Suzuki as manager, sources told ESPN on Tuesday, turning to the longtime major league catcher with no professional coaching experience to help turn around a franchise navigating the longest playoff drought in the major leagues. The 42-year-old Suzuki, who spent 16 years playing for five franchises and won the 2019 World Series with the Washington Nationals, had spent the last three years as a special assistant to Angels general manager Perry Minasian."

"Suzuki inherits a team with plenty of offensive thump and questionable pitching. Shortstop Zach Neto is one of the game's most well-rounded players, and outfielders Jo Adell and Taylor Ward combined to hit 73 home runs in 2025. Mike Trout is signed through 2030, and catcher Logan O'Hoppe, first baseman Nolan Schanuel and second baseman Christian Moore round out their young core."

"Former Angels stars Albert Pujols and Torii Hunter were also in consideration for the job to replace Ron Washington, who missed nearly half the 2025 season after undergoing quadruple bypass surgery. Editor's Picks Ray Montgomery, the interim manager during Washington's absence, was offered a different role with the organization but was not considered for the full-time manager role. Suzuki spent his last two seasons, 2021 and 2022, as a backup catcher with the Angels and drew rave reviews for his handling of the pitching staff."

Kurt Suzuki becomes the Los Angeles Angels' manager at age 42 after a 16-year major league playing career and three years as a special assistant to general manager Perry Minasian. Suzuki won the 2019 World Series with the Washington Nationals and spent 2021-22 as a backup catcher with the Angels, earning praise for his handling of pitching staffs. Albert Pujols and Torii Hunter were also considered. Ron Washington missed much of 2025 due to quadruple bypass surgery, and interim manager Ray Montgomery was offered a different role but not the full-time job. The roster features a powerful offense and a young core, while the rotation beyond Yusei Kikuchi and Jose Soriano and the bullpen remain unsettled.

Read at ESPN.com