Angels decline Kurt Suzuki’s contract option, offer special‑assistant role

The team said the decision was made with ownership and will open a search for a new manager for 2027.

By Felo News Desk · Published Wed, 21 Oct 2026 23:08:25 GMT

The Los Angeles Angels announced Wednesday that they declined manager Kurt Suzuki’s contract option for the 2027 season and will seek a new manager and coaching staff.

What happened

The Angels finished the 2026 season with a 62‑100 record, the franchise’s worst winning percentage (.383) in its 66‑year history. On Wednesday, interim general manager John Mozzeliak said the organization declined Suzuki’s option and will begin a search for a new manager for the 2027 season.

What the reports add

Bleacher Report quoted Mozzeliak saying the decision was shaped by “thoughtful conversations internally and with Kroenke Sports & Entertainment’s leadership” and that Suzuki would remain as a special assistant. The New York Post reported that ESPN’s Alden González noted the 62‑100 record set a franchise record for most losses and that Suzuki’s future role is “unclear” despite the offer. The Los Angeles Times added that the decision was coordinated with Kroenke Sports & Entertainment, which is completing a purchase of controlling ownership from Arte Moreno.

What was said

John Mozzeliak said, “Kurt has earned tremendous respect in our clubhouse, and I’ve seen firsthand how much he cares about our players. I do not believe our record this year was a true reflection of his abilities as a manager,” as reported by Bleacher Report and the Los Angeles Times.

How it came about

The announcement follows the Angels’ sale to Stan Kroenke’s group, finalized on Sept. 1, 2026, a development noted by the Los Angeles Times. Earlier in the season, the Angels struggled, including a 3‑0 loss to the Minnesota Twins on Sept. 19, as covered by Felo News in its “Twins beat Angels 3‑0” article (link). The franchise’s poor performance this year contrasts with the excitement surrounding the upcoming “Homestead: The Series” season 2 premiere announced on Oct. 8, 2026 (link).

Key facts

The Angels declined Kurt Suzuki’s contract option for the 2027 season. (bleacherreport.com)
Suzuki’s 2026 record was 62‑100, the worst in franchise history. (nypost.com)
John Mozzeliak said Suzuki would be offered a special‑assistant role. (bleacherreport.com)
The decision was made in coordination with Kroenke Sports & Entertainment, which is completing a purchase of controlling ownership. (latimes.com)

Where accounts differ

Whether Suzuki will accept the special‑assistant role: Suzuki was offered a role to stay on as a special assistant. (bleacherreport.com); It’s unclear whether Suzuki will want to stick around the franchise that just fired him as manager. (nypost.com)

Timeline

2026-09-01 — Kroenke Sports & Entertainment reached a deal to purchase controlling ownership of the Angels.
2026-09-19 — Twins beat Angels 3‑0.
2026-10-21 — Angels announced decline of Suzuki’s contract option.