The Los Angeles Angels announced on Wednesday that Kurt Suzuki will not return as manager following a challenging 2026 season that saw the team record a franchise-high 100 losses. Despite having a club option for 2027, Suzuki has been offered a role as a special assistant within the organization.

Suzuki's tenure as manager lasted only one season, and he faced significant challenges with a team that was not expected to contend. John Mozeliak, the interim general manager, expressed his respect for Suzuki, stating, "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."

Before his managerial role, the 43-year-old served as a special assistant to former GM Perry Minasian from 2023-2025. His short managerial contract, lasting just one year, is unusual in the league, especially for someone without prior coaching experience.

The Angels have experienced considerable instability, as Suzuki becomes the fifth full-time manager in six years, following Joe Maddon, Phil Nevin, and Ron Washington. The team has not made a postseason appearance since 2014 and has the longest active playoff drought in baseball, with an absence of postseason wins since 2009.

With team ownership transitioning to Stan Kroenke for $4 billion, it remains uncertain who will fill the managerial vacancy next. Mozeliak has shown interest in overseeing baseball operations permanently, which could influence the hiring of Suzuki's successor.