The Los Angeles Angels are approaching the end of a disastrous campaign, with the franchise on course for what could become the worst season in its history. Despite the struggles across the team, the starting rotation has actually been one of the brighter areas, posting a 4.12 ERA—the second-best mark for Angels starters over the past 10 seasons.
That contrast could make the changes coming in Anaheim even more significant.
With Stan Kroenke and his new ownership group preparing to take control of the franchise, major organizational changes are expected. One of the biggest questions surrounding the Angels is what will happen to manager Kurt Suzuki once the season concludes next Sunday.
While Suzuki’s future has been the subject of speculation for some time, recent reporting has intensified the uncertainty surrounding his position.
Kurt Suzuki’s Angels Tenure Could Be Coming to an End
According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, Suzuki currently sits on the hottest managerial seat in Major League Baseball.
Several factors contribute to the uncertainty. Suzuki is working under a one-year contract, while the executive who originally hired him, Perry Minasian, was dismissed during the season. The upcoming ownership transition could also play a major role, as new owners frequently want to establish their own leadership structure.
Kroenke’s arrival could therefore open the door for a new manager to lead the Angels into the next phase of the franchise.
Heyman also indicated that interim general manager John Mozeliak appears to have a more secure position than Suzuki. Mozeliak’s previous connections to St. Louis could potentially give him an established relationship with Kroenke, adding another layer to the organization’s upcoming transition.
Suzuki’s original one-year agreement was already viewed as a sign that his position might be temporary. His strong relationship with Minasian provided additional stability, but Minasian’s midseason departure changed the situation considerably.
Now, with a new ownership group taking over from Arte Moreno, the Angels could become a more attractive destination for experienced managers and promising managerial candidates.
That could leave the organization facing another major decision this offseason: whether Suzuki remains in charge or the new ownership group chooses a completely different direction for the Angels’ dugout.
