What $4 billion Angels sale means for manager Kurt Suzuki originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Los Angeles Angels will start a new era in 2027.
Longtime owner Arte Moreno sold the franchise to Stan Kroenke on Tuesday, a man who also owns several professional sports organizations, including the Denver Nuggets and Colorado Avalanche.
Moreno's run with the team ended after 23 years. He purchased the Angels from the Walt Disney Company in 2003.
The Angels have seen a season of change, as general manager Perry Minasian was relieved of his duties in June.
John Mozeliak is the Angels' interim manager, and it's unclear if the organization will keep him in that role past this season.
The same can be said for manager Kurt Suzuki, who was signed to a one-year deal last winter. Will he be back in 2027?
"The timing of this deal becoming official, expected in early 2027, makes this more interesting," The Athletic's Sam Blum wrote.
"Might the timeline increase the odds that Suzuki is brought back? Perhaps. Why would the Angels sign a new manager on a longer contract with the expectation of a new owner, who would want to implement his own vision? The lockout potentially delaying the 2027 season only complicates things further."
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The Angels could re-sign Suzuki to a longer-term contract if they feel he is the best man for the job to turn things around on the field.
It's very rare for organizations to hire managers on a one-year deal. Doing so doesn't exactly scream having faith in someone.
Kroenke will assess the Angels' situation after the conclusion of the 2026 season. Big changes have been made by the Angels, and more could be coming.
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