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The Los Angeles Angels are hiring Kurt Suzuki as manager, sources told ESPN, turning to the 42-year-old former catcher with no coaching experience amid the majors’ longest playoff drought. A 16-year veteran and 2019 World Series winner, Suzuki spent the past three years as a special assistant to GM Perry Minasian and earned praise for handling Angels pitchers during his 2021–22 stint. He replaces Ron Washington; Albert Pujols and Torii Hunter were considered. The Angels’ lineup packs power, but a thin rotation and uncertain bullpen persist after a 72-90 season and a decade of losing under owner Arte Moreno.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.