The Los Angeles Angels are reportedly turning to another familiar face from the Atlanta Braves to lead their dugout. Kurt Suzuki, who caught for the Braves in 2017 and 2018, is expected to be named the club’s next manager, according to ESPN. The Angels have not yet confirmed the hire.
From Braves backstop to Angels boss
Suzuki, 41, replaces Ron Washington, who managed the Angels for the 2024 and 2025 seasons after serving as Atlanta’s longtime third base coach. Washington’s tenure was cut short by health concerns that led to an early retirement this fall.
While Suzuki has no prior managerial experience, he’s spent the past three years as a special assistant to Angels general manager Perry Minasian—another former Braves executive. That front-office familiarity, combined with Suzuki’s 16-year major league career, reportedly made him a natural candidate for the role.
A steady hand behind the plate
Drafted by the Oakland Athletics in the second round of the 2004 MLB Draft, Suzuki carved out a reputation as one of the league’s most consistent catchers. With the Braves in 2018, he hit .271 with 12 home runs and 24 doubles over 105 games, serving as a key veteran presence during the club’s early rise to NL East contention.
Braves pipeline runs deep in Anaheim
Suzuki isn’t the only Atlanta alum in Anaheim. Travis d’Arnaud, who won a World Series ring with the Braves in 2021, is in the final year of a two-year deal with the Angels.
While d’Arnaud joined Atlanta after Suzuki’s departure, both played under Brian Snitker, the recently retired Braves skipper.
There’s more Braves flavor on the Angels’ coaching staff as well. Eric Young Sr. and Sal Fasano, both part of Atlanta’s 2021 World Series-winning staff, are expected to remain under Suzuki in 2026.
Familiar faces for Suzuki’s first season
Suzuki’s first Angels roster will also include Jorge Soler, another 2021 Braves champion who signed with Los Angeles ahead of the 2025 season.
That means Suzuki will step into his first managerial role surrounded by multiple players and coaches who’ve worked under the Braves’ organizational tree — a fitting continuation of the Atlanta-to-Anaheim pipeline that’s quietly developed in recent years.
