Los Angeles angels officially announces another to veteran who is stepping into the role of Los Angeles Angels manager for the first time, facing a major challenge — and possibly a short window to prove himself.
General manager Perry Minasian announced that top star has been given just a one-year deal, making him the Angels’ sixth manager in eight seasons. Minasian himself is also entering the final year of his own contract as the franchise looks to end a decade-long streak of losing seasons, most recently finishing 72-90.
“He’s tied in with me,” Minasian said of Suzuki, who spent the past three years as his special assistant after retiring from a 16-year MLB career as a catcher.
Neither Suzuki nor Minasian seemed fazed by the short-term contracts or the pressure surrounding them. The one-year arrangement is another unorthodox move by owner Arte Moreno, whose team hasn’t had a winning season since 2015 or a playoff appearance since 2014.
Both men expressed a sense of urgency to reverse the team’s fortunes.
“I joke about it, but I’ve basically played my whole career on one-year deals,” Suzuki said. “Every season I had to prove myself again. I’m here because I want to lead, to help these players, and to do something good for this city and organization.”
An emotional Suzuki teared up as he thanked his wife and children during his introductory press conference at Angel Stadium — the same place he ended his playing career before transitioning into the front office.
Minasian said Suzuki was chosen from a pool of candidates that included Albert Pujols, though he declined to elaborate on why negotiations with the former Angels slugger fell through. While Pujols has some winter-ball dugout experience, Minasian believes Suzuki’s leadership and experience as a catcher prepared him for this opportunity.
“I never thought I’d hire someone without prior managerial experience,” Minasian said. “But Kurt is different. Even as a player, he was managing in his own way. I’m confident he’s the right person to lead this team.”
Suzuki has built a career out of overcoming the odds. A walk-on at Cal State Fullerton, he became a College World Series champion, a second-round MLB Draft pick, an All-Star, and a World Series winner. Over his career, he hit 143 home runs and earned a reputation for his defense, game-calling, and leadership behind the plate — especially in managing pitchers like Shohei Ohtani.
“I feel like this is what I was born to do,” Suzuki said. “Leading players, helping them get better — that’s who I am. I’ve done it my whole career, working with 30 different pitchers each season to bring out their best. That’s what drives me.”
Suzuki succeeds Ron Washington, whose option was declined after two losing seasons. The Angels have now cycled through multiple managers — Brad Ausmus, Joe Maddon, Phil Nevin, and interim Ray Montgomery — since longtime skipper Mike Scioscia stepped down in 2018 after 19 years.
When asked about third baseman Anthony Rendon — Suzuki’s former teammate on the 2019 World Series champion Nationals — Suzuki avoided direct comment. Rendon, who missed all of this season with a hip injury, still has one year left on his $245 million contract.
“I haven’t talked to Perry about that situation yet,” Suzuki said. “We’ll address it when the time comes.”