Signing Drew Pomeranz, Kirby Yates, Jordan Romano, Angel Perdomo, Tayler Saucedo, and Miguel Castro gives the Angels a number of veterans who could raise their trade value while also filling out a bullpen that lacked depth and upside.
While this might sound counterintuitive to the youth movement, the bullpen reached a point last season where there were not enough options who were major-league caliber or at least close to it. Add the veterans to get through the first few months, wait for the younger options to prove they are ready, and use them to replace the veterans on expiring contracts throughout the season.
Changes in Leadership
ANAHEIM, CA – October 22: Kurt Suzuki, left, puts on his jersey after being announced as the new manager of the Los Angeles Angels by General Manager Perry Minasian during a press conference at the stadium in Anaheim, CA on Wednesday, October 22, 2025. (Photo by Paul Bersebach/MediaNews Group/Orange County Register via Getty Images)
When Shohei Ohtani departed after the 2023 season, a managerial change was also underway. A team that was going through a roster transition, had traded away prospects for a final push at the 2023 deadline, went with….Ron Washington? A 72-year-old who had not managed since 2014?
Washington, although well respected as a coach, was not a good fit. After two seasons with the Angels Washington reportedly left due to health issues, and the team filled the position this winter with 42 year-old Kurt Suzuki, a former player who had been serving as a special assistant to the general manager.
Suzuki is a younger option who will bring fresh ideas and a different style to managing than Washington, who was not afraid to call out certain players. Although Suzuki does not have the experience Washington has, I feel the change was necessary. He’s a younger voice, welcomed to a team focused on correcting course.
The team also promoted David Haynes and Joey Prebynski as assistant general managers to focus on player development. While promoting from within might be a concern to some fans, the positive is Perry Minasian emphasizing a focus on player development, where the Angels continue to fall short.
Time will tell how these leadership moves ultimately shape the Angels’ organization and team moving forward, but change was needed and happened. That’s a sentence we have not often been able to say in recent years with this franchise.
Final Thoughts
The Angels are still far from deserving legitimate praise. The years of incompetence, poor decisions, and questionable moves have left a scar that will not quickly disappear. However, the direction they have taken this offseason is refreshing and gives fans some hope.