The Angels’ stance on Kurt Suzuki keeps getting harder to read, and John Mozeliak’s latest comments did nothing to clear the fog.
Mozeliak said he wants to keep Suzuki around, but also made it clear that the final call belongs to the new ownership group. That left the situation sounding less like a firm endorsement and more like a manager trying to avoid making a decision that isn’t really his to make.
The mixed messaging comes after Mozeliak had already spoken positively about Suzuki in a way that was difficult to pin down. Now, with Sam Blum of The Athletic noting Mozeliak’s desire to retain him, the question only gets louder: does Mozeliak truly want Suzuki back, or is he simply trying not to look like the man pushing him out?
There is at least a case for Suzuki staying in place. The Angels are coming off a 100-loss season for the first time in franchise history, and the next year or two are likely to be treated as bridge seasons. In that kind of setup, keeping Suzuki wouldn’t be an outrageous move.
Suzuki also appeared receptive when Mozeliak fired Mike Maddux and brought in his own pitching coach. At the time, that looked like a possible sign of where things were headed for Suzuki, but it may have meant something different. He seemed open to changes inside his staff.
That matters because today’s managers often don’t hold the same kind of power they once did. If Mozeliak believes Suzuki will be easier to work with than a bigger, more forceful name, that could make him more attractive as a fit.
Still, the “it’s not my decision” line doesn’t really settle anything. If Mozeliak thinks Suzuki is the right man, he can make that case.
If he doesn’t, then the Angels should move on. The middle ground only makes the whole thing sound hollow.
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