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Interim general manager John Mozeliak said at the annual GM Meetings in Las Vegas that Kurt Suzuki will remain in the Angels organization as a special assistant despite his option to return as manager in 2027 not being picked up.
Additionally, pitching coaches Tim Leveque and Michael Wuertz will be retained by the organization, but are currently assigned to Minor League roles. The new GM and manager will determine if they make the Major League roster.
“I’m actually shocked that more people aren’t chasing them for big league jobs,” Mozeliak said of Leveque and Wuertz. “It was quite amazing what they were able to achieve in such a short period of time. You have to admire it.”
Suzuki returns to a familiar role, as he was a special assistant in the organization from 2023-25 before being hired as skipper ahead of his 26 season. But it ended with the franchise’s 11th straight losing season and the first 100-loss campaign in its history.
While Suzuki was well-liked for his work in 2026, this season has been marked by transition and uncertainty for the Angels. The club is still awaiting the finalization of the sale to Kroenke Sports & Entertainment, which has yet to be voted on by the members and is tentatively expected to become official in early 2027.
Mozeliak asked Suzuki to return as manager in his first media appearance the day after the season on September 28, but indicated that it would eventually come under new ownership. Three weeks later, it was announced that Suzuki would not be returning as manager, and Mozeliak also said he would step down in December after his contract expired.
Suzuki, who enjoyed a 16-year playing career with the Athletics, Nationals, Braves, Twins and Angels, had discussions with other organizations but decided to stay with the club.
Suzuki was also instrumental in the decision to fire pitching coaches Mike Maddux and Dom Chitty in August and replace them with Leveque and Wuertz. The pitching was better as several Angels starters like Reid Detmers, Ryan Johnson, Grayson Rodriguez and Walbert Ureña flourished under their tutelage and willingness to take in the information.
Angels pitchers had a 4.51 ERA the day they made the change, and a 3.69 ERA the rest of the season. Leveque and Wuertz were previously at Double-A Rocket City, but Leveque accepted a position as Minor League pitching coordinator and Wuertz signed to become Triple-A Salt Lake’s pitching coach.
Third base coach Keith Johnson will also remain with the organization as the Minor League base coordinator and outfield coordinator, while coach Jobel Jimenez will join the Single-A Rancho Cucamonga staff. Like Leveque and Wuertz, they could be added to the Major League roster if the new regime so desires.
Angels’ eyes will now turn to the ongoing GM search, which begins in earnest with KSE contacting and meeting with candidates. After hiring a new GM or president of baseball operations, they will also need to hire a manager and replace the entire coaching staff. Only bullpen player Jason Brown and hitting practice pitcher Mike Ashman remain on the club’s official coaching staff.
The next manager will be the Angels’ sixth full-time captain since 2019.