ANAHEIM, Calif. – Reports indicate the Los Angeles Angels are hiring former 16-year MLB catcher and current special assistant to the general manager Kurt Suzuki as their new manager.
The Angels have not confirmed.
Suzuki, 42, will be working as manager for the first time in his career and will be the fourth manager under general manager Perry Minasian.
He will be replacing Ron Washington in the clubhouse after he missed nearly half of last season due to quadruple bypass surgery and was replaced by Ray Montgomery as interim manager.
In his first year as manager, he will be tasked with helping the Angels reach the postseason for the first time in 11 years as they’re coming off a 72-90 season, finishing fifth in the American League West.
On Monday, it was reported that Pujols was no longer in consideration for the position. It was also reported that former beloved outfielder, Torii Hunter, was informed Monday night he was no longer in the running as well.
Suzuki was also interviewing for the manager position with the San Francisco Giants until they hired former Tennessee Volunteer coach Tony Vitello on Sunday.
Before his 16-year career, he grew up in Hawaii and played college baseball down the street from Angel Stadium at Cal State Fullerton.
During his career, he played for five different teams and was a one-time All-Star selection in 2014 with the Minnesota Twins and was a World Series winner with the Washington Nationals in 2019.
Suzuki finished his career with a .255 average, .702 OPS, 143 home runs, 730 RBIs, and 1421 hits.
After playing his final season of baseball with the Angels in 2022, he retired and moved into the Angels’ front office.
This article will be updated with more information.