Kurt Suzuki, New Manager of the Los Angeles Angels
Anaheim, California. Kurt Suzuki has been named as the new manager of the Los Angeles Angels, surpassing Albert Pujols in the race for the position. The former Japanese-American catcher will assume the leadership of the team, with the aim of breaking the postseason drought facing the franchise. Suzuki, 42, becomes the team’s fifth full-time manager since Mike Scioscia’s departure in 2018. He takes over after the departure of Ron Washington, who left the position for health reasons in July. The new manager was part of General Manager Perry Minasian’s advisory team and already had a strong connection with the organization, both due to his experience as an advisor for the last three years and for having played his last two seasons (2021-2022) with the Angels before retiring as an active player.During his 16-season career in the Major Leagues, Suzuki played for the Athletics, Nationals, Twins, Braves, and Angels, participating in 1,635 games and accumulating a .255 average, with 143 home runs and 730 RBIs. He was selected to the All-Star Game in 2014 and was part of the 2019 World Series champion team with the Washington Nationals. Despite being his first experience as a manager at a professional level, Suzuki is recognized for his leadership and knowledge of the game. He will be responsible for forming a new coaching staff, with the possibility of keeping some members of the previous team. The Angels highlighted that the decision was made after an exhaustive process in which Pujols and Torii Hunter were also considered, who, like Suzuki, held advisory roles in the organization. With this designation, the Angels seek stability in management after several recent changes and hope that Suzuki can lead the team towards a new competitive stage.“Kurt is a natural leader and knows our culture from within. His work ethic and experience behind the plate will be key to the team’s future,” said Minasian in the official announcement.
Perry Minasian
