It feels like forever ago that the Angels had their successful start to 2025. To put it gently, they have been struggling, seeming completely lost in each game and finishing at or close to the bottom of a lengthy range of statistical categories. Perry Minasian has tried to dismiss this as a downturn, but the fact that failure is so common across the board points to a more serious issue. The calls for reform are growing stronger, and the coaching is a clear target for criticism.
This season marks the expiration of Ron Washington’s contract, and hopes of an extension are quickly dwindling. In all likelihood, he won’t even go that far. Joe Maddon was dismissed after a lengthy losing run, but his 2022 record was still 27-29, which is far closer to.500 than the current squad is. Ray Montgomery is the most likely temporary solution if or when Washington leaves, but there are a number of former Angels players who are also in the running. But which would be the best option, if any?
The most recent—and maybe most well-known—name to be mentioned in management conversations is Albert Pujols. Even though he only retired in 2022, he has been managing in the Dominican Republic with considerable success rather than merely passing the time until his unavoidable first ballot nomination to the Hall of Fame. He managed his native team into the 2026 World Baseball Classic after leading Leones del Escogido to Dominican League and Caribbean Series championships.The fact that Pujols played with the Angels so recently may work to his advantage rather than against him, as he is already bound by a 10-year personal services deal. He is well aware of the organization’s strengths and weaknesses. Mike Trout and Anthony Rendon—sorry to remind you that he’s still with the Halos—are the only players left from the 2021 opening day team, but everyone else is familiar with Pujols thanks to his stellar reputation. Pujols would be a very high-profile hire, which Arte Moreno could love, but this team might not need the attention that would come with it.
Additionally, Torii Hunter is already employed by the Angels as Minasian’s Special Assistant. Prior to accepting his present position, he allegedly declined a follow-up offer to join the coaching staff of the Angels after interviewing for the managerial position that eventually went to Ron Washington. Over the past two years, Hunter has been involved with Spring Training. He worked especially closely with Mike Trout, who this season switched from center field to right after Hunter made the same move when with the Angels. Although Hunter has no coaching experience, he is unquestionably a leader on the field and would be a welcome change and a heartwarming tale for supporters.
A previous number one pick could be hoping to hear his name called again as the Angels are ready to choose with the second choice in the 2025 draft. A key part of the 2002 World Series team, Darin Erstad has a strong track record as a college coach. He was voted Big Ten coach of the year in 2017 after leading the Nebraska Cornhuskers to a.580 winning record in eight seasons.His name kept coming up in the last days of Phil Nevin’s time in Anaheim, and he had an interview with the Dodgers prior to Dave Roberts being hired as manager. There is a compelling case for a coach to follow in the footsteps of the several current Angels players who have made the leap from collegiate baseball to the major leagues in record time.
Another option is provided by that 2002 squad, whose track record is difficult to overlook. After managing Tomateros de Culiacán in the Mexican Pacific League to four titles in 2014, Benji Gil became the first coach of the Mariachis de Guadalajara in the Mexican Baseball League in 2021.He won Manager of the Year after leading the expansion team to the postseason. He is aiming for the next World Baseball Classic, just like Pujols, and is leading Mexico once more after leading them to the 2023 semifinals, where they were defeated by eventual winners Japan. He has the most extensive resume on our list, but it’s unclear if the Angels will be able to lure him away from his country’s squad before 2026.
Lastly, two completely theoretical names that aim to replicate Mike Scioscia’s heyday as a catcher and manager. From 2012 to 2014, Bengie Molina, who started all of the Angels’ postseason games in 2002, dabbled in coaching with the Cardinals and Rangers.He has been a Spanish-language commentator for the Cardinals since 2016, though, and he has recently lobbied for a coaching position on behalf of his brother Yadier, who, combined with Pujols, may make an alluring coaching dream team for St. Louis. Kurt Suzuki, who shares Hunter’s status as a Special Advisor to the Angel’s general manager, is an even longer shot. Although his name may seem strange, the Angels’ front office might make such an unexpected move. Despite his lack of expertise, his mannerisms and sense of style should not be completely disregarded.
There is currently no indication that Washington’s position is under imminent danger or that any former player is the heir apparent. But when that time comes, it’s likely that a game-worn jersey already bears the name of the Angel’s future manager.
