Kurt Suzuki is sticking with the Angels after the club declined a contract option for him to return as manager in 2027. Suzuki has accepted the Angels’ offer to remain with the team as a special assistant, according to the Orange County Register. The club has not confirmed the news.
After serving as a special assistant with the organization from 2023-25, Suzuki spent the 2026 season as skipper, overseeing a 62-100 finish. It was the franchise’s 11th consecutive losing season and the first 100-loss campaign in its history.
Though Suzuki was well-liked for his work in 2026, this offseason has been one marked by transition and uncertainty for the Angels. The club is still awaiting the finalization of a sale to Kroenke Sports & Entertainment, which should come in early 2027.
John Mozeliak has served as interim general manager but will not return in that role once his contract expires in December. The Angels appear to still be in the early stages of identifying his successor.
Mozeliak had additionally said he would like to bring Suzuki back as manager next season, but he acknowledged it would ultimately be up to the new ownership group. Though not as manager, Suzuki -- who finished his 16-year MLB playing career with the Angels -- will remain in the organization.
“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,” said Mozeliak in a statement. “Those conversations have shaped the decision to seek a new manager and coaching staff for the 2027 season. 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.
“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. 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.”
The Angels’ eyes will now turn toward the ongoing GM search as well as replacing its entire coaching staff. Only bullpen catcher Jason Brown and batting practice pitcher Mike Ashman remain listed on the club’s official coaching staff.
The next manager will be the Angels’ sixth full-time skipper since 2019.