Angels Face New Era After First 100-Loss Season

The Angels just endured their inaugural 100‑loss campaign, a franchise low, yet hope sparks for 2027 with a new owner, front office chief and manager.

2027 payroll: $64.05 million
Total future obligations: $193.2 million

Arbitration‑eligible players (service time in parentheses; projected salaries from MLBTR’s Matt Swartz)

Non‑tendered prospects: Siri, Lowe, Heineman, Rodriguez, Peraza, Bachman

The Angels have struggled; no playoff berth since 2014 and no winning season since 2015. Yet they’ve clung to short‑term contention instead of rebuilding.

For years that made sense—Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani anchored the roster. Now Ohtani departed three seasons ago, Trout is 35, and the club’s record slipped to 99 wins in 2024, 90 in 2025 and 100 in 2026.

Change looms. On September 1, reports surfaced that longtime owner Arte Moreno agreed to sell to Stan Kroenke, a veteran sports proprietor whose Rams, Nuggets, Avalanche and Arsenal have all captured titles.

The front office was already in flux; GM Perry Minasian was dismissed in June, and former Cardinals exec John Mozeliak now steers baseball operations on an interim basis.

Details remain unsettled this winter. The sale likely won’t finalize until the new year, but current decision‑makers are already consulting Kroenke on key issues.

A permanent front office chief is still being hunted. With free agency looming and a potential lockout, the club may let Mozeliak helm for now while it ponders a long‑term GM or president of baseball ops.

A new field manager will also be chosen. Kurt Suzuki’s one‑year stint ended in 2026, and whoever assumes the top front‑office role will likely influence the next bench boss selection.

At present the franchise sits in limbo; without knowing who holds the reins, roster moves are uncertain. Still, a shift toward long‑term building seems prudent. For my money, the club should prioritize long‑term growth over quick fixes.