A year after naming him their manager, the Los Angeles Angels announced on Thursday that they have parted ways with Kurt Suzuki. The club declined to pick up the option on his contract following a 62–100 season in 2026, marking the worst record in franchise history. Still, the organization offered him a special assistant role within the organization.
The Angles will also be moving on from interim general manager John Mozeliak, who will serve in the role until his contract expires in December. He will step aside from the organization once new leadership takes over the club with Kroenke Sports & Entertainment set to purchase the club in 2027.
“As we look toward 2027 and beyond, I have had thoughtful conversations internally and with Kroenke Sports & Entertainment’s leadership about the future of Angels Baseball and the direction of our organization,” Mozeliak said in a statement. “Those conversations have shaped the decision to seek a new manager and coaching staff for the 2027 season.”
Kurt Suzuki Angels Tenure
Following a 15-season playing career, Suzuki joined the Angels as a special assistant. He served in that role from 2023–2025 before being appointed as the club’s skipper in October 2025.
However, Kurt Suzuki, who Mozeliak wanted to retain for next season due his connection with many of the players, was unable to lead the Angels to a winning record. They went 23–26 through the first two months of the season before finishing the first half 21 games below .500. The team continued to struggle in the second half of the year as they finished 38 games below .500.
“Kurt has earned tremendous respect in our clubhouse, and I’ve seen firsthand how much he cares about our players. I do not believe our record this year was a true reflection of his abilities as a manager,” Mozeliak added. “I’m pleased we were able to offer Kurt a role to stay on as a special assistant, where his knowledge of our players and his perspective would continue to be valuable to the organization.”
In Other News
After parting ways with Kurt Suzuki, the Angels have dismissed most of the coaching staff. The only remaining members are staff assistant Tim Buss, bullpen catcher Jason Brown and batting practice pitcher Mike Ashman. As for Mozeliak, he will help the organization search for a new general manager to take over once he steps aside. Mozeliak replaced former general manager Perry Minasian, who was dismissed in June.
“I would also like to thank the entire coaching staff for their professionalism and hard work throughout a very difficult season. We value their expertise and have offered some members of the staff positions within the organization,” Mozeliak concluded.
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