Suzuki’s Tenure Ends After Historic Losing Season
The Los Angeles Angels have declined the 2027 contract option for manager Kurt Suzuki, ending his one-season tenure with the club. The decision follows a 62-100 record in the 2026 regular season, marking the first 100-loss season in franchise history.
Baseball operations consultant John Mozeliak announced the move on Wednesday. Suzuki’s team finished with more losses than only the Colorado Rockies during the 2026 campaign.
Mozeliak stated that he made the decision in coordination with Kroenke Sports & Entertainment, which agreed on Sept. 1 to purchase a controlling interest in the Angels from Arte Moreno. The sale is not expected to close until next year.
"Kurt has earned tremendous respect in our clubhouse, and I’ve seen firsthand how much he cares about this organization," Mozeliak said. He added that he does not believe the team’s record reflected Suzuki’s true abilities as a manager. The Angels have offered Suzuki a role as a special assistant within the organization.
Suzuki had never managed at any level prior to being hired one year ago by then-general manager Perry Minasian, after serving as Minasian’s special assistant for three seasons. His departure marks another chapter in a turbulent period for the franchise, which has endured 11 consecutive losing seasons and 12 straight non-playoff seasons, the longest active skids in MLB.
Front Office Transition Amid Ownership Change
The Angels’ front office is now navigating a complex transition as the ownership sale looms. Mozeliak’s current contract ends in December, leaving the general manager position uncertain. The team fired Minasian last June, prompting Mozeliak to step in temporarily while leading the search for a permanent GM.
During his interim tenure, Mozeliak made significant changes to the coaching staff. In August, he determined that the team was not fully leveraging technology and analytics for its pitchers. As a result, pitching coach Mike Maddux and two staffers were let go.
The Angels have now had seven managers in nine seasons since Mike Scioscia departed after the 2018 season. The instability continues as other teams, including the Seattle Mariners and Houston Astros, also search for new managers.
Implications of the Kroenke Sale
The pending acquisition by Stan Kroenke’s Kroenke Sports & Entertainment adds another layer of complexity to the Angels’ organizational structure. With the sale not expected to close until next year, the current front office must manage daily operations while preparing for a potential leadership overhaul.
Mozeliak’s role in the search for a new GM remains unclear as his contract approaches its end. The team’s historic losing season and the subsequent shake-up highlight the challenges facing the franchise as it seeks to rebuild under new ownership.