Kurt Suzuki is set to remain with the Los Angeles Angels, just not in the role he held for one season in the dugout.
After the Angels declined his managerial option on October 21, the club moved on from Suzuki following a 62-100 finish that marked the first 100-loss season in franchise history. At the same time, the team offered him another position while it began the search for a new manager and coaching staff.
That search had left Suzuki’s future up in the air for a stretch, especially as he weighed outside opportunities. But Tuesday brought clarity from the Orange County Register’s Jeff Fletcher on X, formerly Twitter.
“Kurt Suzuki has accepted the Angels offer to return as a special assistant. Suzuki had discussions about jobs with other organizations after the Angels decided he wouldn't be back as manager.”
Suzuki is no stranger to the organization. Before taking over as manager in 2026, he spent three seasons as a special assistant to then-general manager Perry Minasian. He also closed out his 16-year catching career with the Angels in 2021 and 2022, and his playing career included a World Series title with the Washington Nationals in 2019.
His return comes as the Angels continue to reshape their leadership. Interim general manager John Mozeliak has said he will not become the permanent GM, and his contract runs through December. The next general manager will choose Suzuki’s replacement.
There’s also ownership change on the horizon. Kroenke Sports & Entertainment is preparing to take controlling ownership from Arte Moreno, and Mozeliak worked with the incoming ownership group on the decision to decline Suzuki’s managerial option.
For now, Suzuki stays in the organization in an advisory capacity as the Angels try to fill out their leadership structure. The franchise has not reached the postseason since 2014.
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