x
Angels make long-overdue move in front office
The Los Angeles Angels fired general manager Perry Minasian. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Angels make long-overdue move in front office

The Los Angeles Angels are in the midst of yet another lost season. Changes throughout the organization are clearly needed.

One of those changes occurred late Friday. The Angels announced that general manager Perry Minasian has been relieved of his duties. Former Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak has been named the Angels interim GM. The Angels posted a 392-500 record under Minasian, including their 34-48 record entering the day.

Mozeliak's duties will go beyond those of the traditional GM. He is also being tasked with "refining a baseball operations strategy" while assisting with the search for a permanent GM. 

This, presumably, means that Mozeliak will not be considered for the permanent role.

John Mozeliak has plenty of work to do with Los Angeles Angels

Minasian had been hired during the 2020-21 offseason after they had failed to reach the postseason since 2014. Despite having two of the best players in the majors in outfielder Mike Trout and two-way star Shohei Ohtani, the roster around those players was virtually devoid of talent. 

Nothing truly changed with Minasian. The Angels stubbornly refused to rebuild during his tenure and were buyers at the 2023 trade deadline as they attempted to make one final push before Ohtani reached free agency. That, much like the majority of the Angels' moves over the past decade, proved to be a disaster.

Not only will Mozeliak be expected to develop a new plan of attack for the organization, but he will also inherit a farm system that is among the worst in the game. The Angels have typically drafted college players who could move quickly through the system given their issues developing prospects. Shortstop Zach Neto has been a success story, but he is the exception to that strategy.

If there is a positive, it's that Mozeliak can't do much worse than Minasian. Then again, that was the thought with his predecessors as well.

David Hill

Based in the mountains of Vermont, Dave has over a decade of experience writing about all things baseball. Just don't ask his thoughts on the universal DH.

More must-reads:

Customize Your Newsletter

Yardbarker +

Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!