Angels hire Kurt Suzuki as manager on one-year deal

ANAHEIM, Calif. The Los Angeles Angels on Tuesday finalized the hiring of former major league catcher Kurt Suzuki as their next manager, agreeing to a one-year contract that makes his and general manager Perry Minasian's immediate futures closely linked, officials said. Suzuki was introduced at Angel Stadium in front of family and team executives after a managerial search that included high-profile discussions with former slugger Albert Pujols.

Suzuki, 42, joins the club after three seasons as a special assistant to Minasian and a 16-year playing career that included an All-Star selection in 2014 and a World Series ring with the Washington Nationals in 2019. He has no prior big league managerial experience. The move follows the club's decision not to retain Ron Washington after health concerns and the conclusion of Ray Montgomery's interim tenure. The Angels finished the 2025 season 72-90 and have not reached the postseason since 2014.

The one-year length of Suzuki's contract is highly unusual for a first-time manager and was flagged repeatedly during the team's decision process. "It's a one-year deal," Minasian said at the stadium. "He's tied in with me." Team officials...