Minasian Stays Put: Angels’ GM Discusses Managerial Opening, Roster Needs
October 4, 2025 - Written by Bryan Whitfield
Photo Credit: @SleeperAngels - X
It is very common for a team’s executives to address the media and their fans within a couple of days of the season ending. It has been a very interesting yet quiet week for the Angels, as they decided not to pick up manager Ron Washington’s option for the 2026 season on Tuesday. Angels GM Perry Minasian was expected to address the media at some point this week; however, nothing appeared in the team’s media calendar, and nobody could get confirmation on whether or not Perry himself would return for the final year of his contract. After The Athletic reported that Albert Pujols was believed to be owner Arte Moreno’s favorite to take over as the next manager, speculation arose that perhaps Pujols would not want to work with Minasian, the same GM who cut him from the roster in May of 2021. Despite all the silence from the Angels, Perry finally addressed the media six days after the end of the 2025 season.
Minasian Confirms His Return
Minasian confirmed that he would be returning to finish out the final year of his contract. He was asked a multitude of questions regarding the direction of the team, the managerial opening, and how he would assess the Angels’ roster. Some he answered, others he avoided entirely.
Managerial Opening Takes Center Stage
The managerial opening is the most pressing matter for the Angels’ GM. He said he spoke with Arte Moreno on Monday and concluded that the team needed a new voice in the dugout. Washington was informed he was let go due to performance, and that it had nothing to do with his health, despite the fact he underwent quadruple bypass heart surgery earlier this season, which caused him to miss about half of the year. According to Minasian, via MLB.com’s Rhett Bollinger, while there is no official timetable for a hire, “he’d like to make the decision as soon as possible and as early as next week so that the coaching staff can be rounded out, as all current coaches are in limbo and are free to pursue other opportunities.”
Internal and External Candidates
While nothing has been confirmed by the team, many reports have indicated that former Angels Albert Pujols and Torii Hunter will interview, with Pujols currently seen as the leading candidate. Minasian also noted that the team has several candidates, both internal and external. Kurt Suzuki also could be a candidate, as he also recently interviewed for the Giants’ managerial opening on Friday and, like Hunter and Pujols, currently holds a role with the Angels as a special assistant to Minasian.
Although it seems the Angels may lean internal, they still plan to interview external candidates. Longtime Padres and Rockies skipper Bud Black has ties to the organization, serving as the Angels’ pitching coach from 2000 to 2006 before managing the Padres from 2007 to 2015. He later returned as a special assistant to the GM in 2016 before being hired by the Rockies. Another candidate is Buck Showalter, who interviewed for the position and was reportedly the runner-up before the Angels hired Washington. Other intriguing names include Rocco Baldelli, Bob Melvin, Davey Martinez, and even Mark DeRosa, who has been mentioned in managerial circles.
Offseason Plans and Free Agent Options
After a successful season in the bullpen, Reid Detmers is set to return to the rotation in 2026. Minasian believes pitching in relief will help him transition back into a more effective starter. As it stands, he’ll join Yusei Kikuchi and Jose Soriano in the rotation. The Angels currently have two open spots, and according to Minasian (via Jeff Fletcher of the OC Register), they plan on exploring “all different avenues to make the rotation significantly better.” Top free-agent options this offseason include Dylan Cease, Zac Gallen, Ranger Suárez, and Framber Valdez, while names like Shane Bieber, Zack Littell, Michael King, Zach Eflin, and Brandon Woodruff are also expected to draw strong interest.
Position Player Needs Beyond Pitching
The Angels’ primary focus this offseason will be pitching, but they are also interested in adding a third baseman and possibly a center fielder. As Perry Minasian noted through Rhett Bollinger, left-handed bats would be ideal. The third-base market, however, is thin on left-handed hitters. Switch hitters Yoán Moncada and Luis Rengifo will both hit free agency, opening the door for a possible reunion with either of the two. Switch hitters, Jorge Polanco and Willi Castro are also available, as is lefty Adam Frazier. The prized third baseman is Japan’s Munetaka Murakami, who will be an international free agent. While he brings power, his high strikeout rate and poor defensive metrics could make him a better long-term fit at first base or DH. Considering the Angels already ranked third all-time in single-season strikeouts this year, adding another swing-and-miss bat may not be the best move. Minasian stated that limiting strikeouts will be a focus in 2026.
There are more left-handed options in center field. Cody Bellinger and Trent Grisham are both coming off strong seasons, though Grisham’s career year could be viewed as an outlier. Cedric Mullins also could be a candidate although he is coming off a poor season. Minasian did not rule out Jo Adell as a candidate for center, as the team hopes Mike Trout will not be limited to DH and can return to right field. Jorge Soler, currently on the roster, is best suited as a designated hitter so a trade this offseason may be in order to free up a log jam of an outfield that also includes Taylor Ward and possibly defensive specialist, Bryce Teodosio.
Second Base and Defense Still in Question
Second base will also be an open competition come Spring Training, with Christian Moore expected to compete for the job. Defense overall was highlighted by Minasian as an area of improvement for 2026. When asked if the team was close to competing, however, he remained noncommittal.
Minasian Dodges Accountability
One notable exchange came when Minasian was asked to assess his own performance as GM. He avoided the question, saying he was focused only on what’s ahead and making the team better. As he told The Athletic’s Sam Blum: “That would be a question for somebody else.” A little accountability would have gone a long way, but Minasian chose not to provide it. He also admitted he does not yet know the budget for the offseason, as his immediate focus is hiring a manager and finalizing a coaching staff.
Injury Updates
Injuries were also a topic during the presser. Robert Stephenson is still seeking opinions on his injured right elbow, with clarity expected in the coming weeks. The team also plans to make adjustments to its medical and training staff, though specifics were not provided. Anthony Rendon has not begun baseball activities and is questionable for Spring Training. At this point, it seems very unlikely he will play another game in his career, let alone for the Angels.
The Angels’ second-round pick from the 2025 MLB Draft, Tyler Bremner is also sidelined during instructional league play with elbow soreness, per The Athletic’s Sam Blum on X. He had a clean MRI, and the team views the decision as precautionary with no long-term concerns.
The next week could prove pivotal for the Angels’ future as a new manager and coaching staff take shape. With just over four months until Spring Training, fans should buckle up for an offseason hopefully filled with promises to bring meaningful additions.
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