Why Angels moved on from Kurt Suzuki and who could replace him as manager

Kurt Suzuki. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Why Angels moved on from Kurt Suzuki and who could replace him as manager

By Vanessa Serrao | Last updated Oct 21, 2026 4:35 PM ET

The Los Angeles Angels are making a change.

The team announced that Kurt Suzuki will not be returning as manager. The Angels have declined his 2027 contract option and will go in a different direction for several reasons.

First off, the Angels recorded their first 100-loss season in franchise history, finishing the 2026 season with a 62-100 record and stretching the team's postseason draught to 12 straight years.

In addition, the new ownership — Los Angeles Rams owner Stan Kroenke — decided on a fresh start for next season. By hitting the reset button and looking to rebuild the team, searching for a new manager should help get the ball rolling.

Last but not least, Suzuki was brought in without any coaching experience and has only previously worked as a special assistant in the front office. With this in mind, he didn't really get a fair shot at trying to manage the Angels, but his dismissal doesn't come as a surprise.

OFFICIAL: The Angels announced that the Club has declined the option in Kurt Suzuki’s contract and, in coordination with Kroenke Sports & Entertainment, will search for a new manager and coaching staff for the 2027 season. pic.twitter.com/RExo0C19az
— Los Angeles Angels (@Angels) October 21, 2026

Who could replace Kurt Suzuki as manager?

With Suzuki out, who will take over as the new Angels manager? Both former Angels star Albert Pujols and former St. Louis Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina are both strong candidates.

Molina has an extensive baseball resume that includes nine Gold Glove Awards, 10 All-Star nods and two World Series championships (2006, 2011).

With Pujols, the Angels reached the postseason just once during his 10-year tenure with the team, winning the AL West title in 2014. Also, having a familiar face who is already working with the Angels front office as a special assistant makes sense.

Vanessa Serrao

Serrao is a freelance baseball writer who has covered all MLB teams, with particular expertise on the Toronto Blue Jays. She is a member of the Internet Baseball Writers Association of America.

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