What Happened to Los Angeles Angels?
The Los Angeles Angels have faced a challenging period marked by a prolonged playoff drought, the high-profile departure of superstar Shohei Ohtani, and ongoing questions surrounding ownership and team direction. Despite having generational talent in Mike Trout, the team has struggled to build a consistent winner, leading to significant managerial and roster changes as they aim to reverse their fortunes in the 2026 season and beyond.
Quick Answer
The Los Angeles Angels are currently navigating a rebuilding phase following the departure of two-way star Shohei Ohtani to the Dodgers in December 2023. The team finished the 2025 season with a 72-90 record, extending their playoff drought to 11 consecutive seasons and marking their 10th straight losing season. For the 2026 season, Kurt Suzuki has taken over as manager, and the team is focusing on developing young talent while facing a reduced payroll due to broadcast revenue issues. On Opening Day 2026, the Angels secured a 3-0 shutout victory against the Houston Astros, with Mike Trout hitting a home run and returning to center field.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline14 events
Perry Minasian Hired as General Manager
Perry Minasian was hired as the Angels' general manager, replacing Billy Eppler, who was fired after five consecutive losing seasons.
Owner Arte Moreno Explores Selling the Team
Angels owner Arte Moreno announced he was exploring a sale of the franchise, leading to widespread speculation about potential new ownership.
Arte Moreno Decides Not to Sell
After months of speculation, Arte Moreno announced he would retain ownership of the Angels, citing 'unfinished business' with the team.
Shohei Ohtani Departs for Los Angeles Dodgers
Two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani signed a record-breaking 10-year, $700 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, leaving the Angels after six seasons without a playoff appearance.
Ron Washington Hired as Manager
Ron Washington was hired as the Angels' manager prior to the 2024 season, replacing Phil Nevin, in an effort to bring a new voice to the clubhouse.
GM Perry Minasian Receives Contract Extension
General Manager Perry Minasian agreed to a two-year contract extension through the 2026 season, despite the team heading for its fourth consecutive losing season under his tenure.
Angels Finish 2024 Season with Franchise-Worst 63-99 Record
The Angels concluded the 2024 season with a 63-99 record, marking a new franchise low for wins and extending their playoff drought.
Manager Ron Washington Takes Medical Leave
Manager Ron Washington stepped away from the team indefinitely due to health reasons, later revealed to be a quadruple bypass heart surgery. Bench coach Ray Montgomery took over as interim manager.
Angels Conclude 2025 Season with 72-90 Record, 10th Straight Losing Season
The Angels finished the 2025 season with a 72-90 record, extending their MLB-worst playoff drought to 11 seasons and marking their 10th consecutive losing season.
Ron Washington Will Not Return as Manager
The Angels announced that Ron Washington would not return as manager for the 2026 season, with interim manager Ray Montgomery also departing his role.
Kurt Suzuki Hired as New Manager
The Angels announced the hiring of former Angels catcher Kurt Suzuki as the team's new manager for the 2026 season.
Settlement Reached in Skaggs Family Lawsuit
The Angels reached a confidential settlement with the family of late pitcher Tyler Skaggs, resolving a significant legal and public relations issue for the franchise.
Moreno Reaffirms No Sale Plans, Cites Payroll Reduction
Owner Arte Moreno stated he has no plans to sell the team and explained a reduced 2026 payroll (estimated $180.5M) is due to issues with broadcast rights, as the team terminated its contract with Main Street Sports.
Angels Win Opening Day with Mike Trout Homer
The Los Angeles Angels began their 2026 season with a 3-0 shutout victory over the Houston Astros, featuring a home run by Mike Trout, who also returned to playing center field.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
The Los Angeles Angels have endured a tumultuous period, characterized by a persistent inability to reach the postseason despite boasting some of baseball's most talented players. A significant turning point occurred in December 2023 with the departure of two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani, who signed with the crosstown rival Los Angeles Dodgers. Ohtani cited a desire to win as the primary factor in his decision, leaving a massive void in both the Angels' lineup and pitching rotation. The team had notably opted not to trade Ohtani at the 2023 deadline, despite the risk of losing him without compensation, in a desperate and ultimately unsuccessful bid to make the playoffs.
The Angels' struggles continued through the 2024 and 2025 seasons. After a franchise-worst 63-99 record in 2024, the team finished 2025 with a 72-90 record, extending their MLB-worst playoff drought to 11 seasons and their streak of losing seasons to 10. This consistent underperformance led to managerial changes, with Ron Washington, hired prior to the 2024 season, stepping away due to medical leave in June 2025 and ultimately not returning for 2026. In October 2025, former Angels catcher Kurt Suzuki was hired as the new manager, signing a one-year deal, indicating a cautious approach by ownership.
Ownership under Arte Moreno has also been a focal point. After announcing in late 2022 that he was exploring a sale of the team, Moreno reversed course in early 2024, stating his intention to retain ownership. As of March 2026, Moreno has reiterated he has no plans to sell, despite the team's ongoing struggles and fan frustration. The organization also resolved a significant off-field issue by reaching a confidential settlement with the Skaggs family in December 2025.
Entering the 2026 season, the Angels face financial constraints due to changes in broadcast rights. The team terminated its contract with Main Street Sports (FanDuel Sports Network West) and is exploring new broadcast arrangements, which has led to a reduction in player payroll from an estimated $206 million in 2025 to approximately $180.5 million in 2026. Despite these challenges, franchise cornerstone Mike Trout, who played 130 games in 2025 (his most since 2019) and returned to center field, remains a key figure. The Angels opened their 2026 campaign on March 27 with a 3-0 shutout victory over the Houston Astros, a positive start under new manager Kurt Suzuki.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Los Angeles Angels made different choices?