While it may appear on the surface that Los Angeles Angels interim GM John Mozeliak’s future with the team is still uncertain, those paying close attention would probably be surprised if he didn’t remain with the organization in a long-term role beyond this season.
Even so, Mozeliak has tried to be somewhat demure, as the kids say, when discussing the situation. But he isn’t really fooling anyone.
In a recent article in The Athletic by Katie Woo, Mozeliak made a point of noting that he is not under contract beyond this season, saying: “My timeline still has some flexibility, because I don’t want to recommend or do anything until we’re ready. I have an agreement through the end of this year. In terms of what the future looks like, that still hasn’t been determined.”
That’s the appropriate answer if his future role has not yet been finalized or publicly announced. Talking as though he is guaranteed to remain with the organization for years could come across as presumptuous, so keeping his public comments relatively measured is probably the right approach.
Still, in that same article, Mozeliak discussed how energized he has been by his work with the Angels and the experience of entering an organization with a fresh perspective. That stands in contrast to his lengthy tenure with the St. Louis Cardinals, where he acknowledged that things had begun to feel somewhat “stale” by the end.
Angels are operating like John Mozeliak is going to be sticking around
Mozeliak has also been entrusted with some significant decisions since taking over for Perry Minasian, who was fired ahead of the MLB Draft. The Angels notably changed their draft strategy by selecting two-way prospect Jared Grindlinger, a local 17-year-old, marking a significant departure from how the organization has operated in recent years.
The team also traded away several players at the deadline, a move that was long overdue and provided a breath of fresh air for a franchise that clearly needs to rebuild its farm system if it hopes to become competitive again.
Those are not the kinds of moves you typically hand to someone who plans to return to quasi-retirement once the season ends. If the Angels are thinking clearly—and it appears team president Molly Jolly may be a bit more rational than owner Arte Moreno—they should consider making Mozeliak the president of baseball operations and allowing him to choose his own general manager.
Mozeliak could decide how involved he wants to be in the organization’s day-to-day operations. But if he wants to establish the broader vision and steer the ship as the Halos attempt to regain relevance, that would likely give the Angels their best opportunity to turn things around.
He can continue saying that he is only under contract through the end of the season, but the likely outcome seems pretty clear: John Mozeliak is going to be sticking around for quite some time.