ORANGE COUNTY, CA — The Angels announced Wednesday that Kurt Suzuki will not return as manager next season after the team finished with a franchise-record 100 losses in his first year at the helm.
The Angels declined their 2027 club option on Suzuki, who guided the team to a 62-100 record this season, and will begin searching for a new manager and coaching staff.
Suzuki, a former Angels catcher who signed a one-year contract last October, has been offered a position as a special assistant with the organization.
The Angels finished 10 games worse than they did in 2025 under managers Ron Washington and Ray Montgomery. The team's previous record for losses in a season was 99, set in 2024.
"Kurt has earned tremendous respect in our clubhouse, and I've seen firsthand how much he cares about our players," interim general manager John Mozeliak said in a statement.
"I do not believe our record this year was a true reflection of his abilities as a manager. I'm pleased we were able to offer Kurt a role to stay on as a special assistant, where his knowledge of our players and his perspective would continue to be valuable to the organization. I would also like to thank the entire coaching staff for their professionalism and hard work throughout a very difficult season. We value their expertise and have offered some members of the staff positions within the organization."
Despite the team's struggles, the starting pitching staff improved under Suzuki, posting a 4.14 earned-run average, 12th best in the major leagues, compared with a 4.91 ERA that ranked 28th in 2025.
The rotation included Reid Detmers, Walbert Urena, Grayson Rodriguez and Jose Soriano, who was traded before the deadline.
Suzuki's departure comes as the Angels prepare for a change in ownership, with Stan Kroenke expected to assume control of the franchise from Arte Moreno in the first quarter of 2027.
Suzuki's successor will become the Angels' sixth manager since Mike Scioscia ended his 19-year tenure following the 2018 season.
The Angels have not reached the postseason since 2014 and have not won a playoff game since 2009, when they last captured the American League West title.
Suzuki played 16 major league seasons for five franchises and was a member of the Washington Nationals team that won the 2019 World Series.
He spent his final two playing seasons with the Angels in 2021 and 2022 before serving three years as a special assistant to then-general manager Perry Minasian.
Suzuki was hired as manager last October, replacing the leadership arrangement that included Washington and Montgomery during the 2025 season.
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