Angels Reportedly Hiring Kurt Suzuki as Manager

The Los Angeles Angels appear to have their new manager. Kurt Suzuki, a longtime Major League catcher, will reportedly become the next manager of the team per ESPN & MLB.com. He will become the Angels’ fourth manager since the start of the 2020 campaign.

Suzuki was one of several previously-believed favorites to get the job. The 42-year-old, who retired after 2022 and spent his final two seasons with the Angels, was a special assistant for the franchise. He, along with Torii Hunter and Albert Pujols, was considered a rumored favorite. Pujols was reportedly out of the picture as of this past weekend.

A second-round pick back in 2004, Kurt Suzuki spent 16 seasons in the Major Leagues, most of which were spent between the Athletics and Nationals. He was a part of the Nationals’ 2019 World Series champion.

Suzuki will replace Ron Washington, who spent parts of two seasons as the Angels’ manager. Washington missed much of the 2025 season on medical leave, with Ray Montgomery replacing him as interim.

He also becomes yet another player to quickly move from player to manager. Just two years ago, former player Stephen Vogt — an ex-teammate of Suzuki — became the Guardians’ manager after one year removed from playing. Vogt worked for the Mariners in 2023 before his hiring.

Per reports, former Twins manager Rocco Baldelli, Cubs coach Ryan Flaherty, as well as ex-Padres catcher Nick Hundley were also under consideration.

The Angels became the second team to officially fill a managerial vacancy this offseason. Texas replaced Bruce Bochy with Skip Schumaker, the latter of whom worked in the front office this past season for the Rangers.

San Francisco was believed to be close to hiring Tennessee head coach Tony Vitello as of this past weekend. That, however, is not official as of yet.