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Los Angeles Angels fans have reacted with disappointment at the news that former catcher Kurt Suzuki is becoming the team's manager... making his debut in the role.
The Angels endured a rough 2025 season, going 72-90 to finish bottom of the AL West, missing the playoffs by a long way and parting ways with Ray Montgomery at the end of it.
Famed slugger Albert Pujols had been linked with the vacant role but, after he broke off talks, the Angels have now opted to hire from within, choosing Suzuki.
The 42-year-old last played in 2022, ending his career with the Angels and then becoming a special assistant to the General Manager, noting at the time that he'd be happy in a role 'wherever I can help out'.
Just two-and-a-half years later, and he steps into the manager's role at the organization - per beat reporter Jeff Fletcher - but it has left the fans a little underwhelmed.
'This feels so cheap to me,' one wrote, while another added: 'Oh joy, another losing season here we come.'
Former Angels catcher Kurt Suzuki has been chosen as the team's new manager, per reports
Suzuki won the World Series in 2019 and finished his career with the Angels back in 2022
A third added: 'Well that sucks,' and another said: 'Sell the team Arte [Moreno]. Worst owner in sports.'
During his career as a player, Suzuki began with the Oakland Athletics, before moving to the Washington Nationals in 2012.
He moved back to Oakland and then on to Minnesota and Atlanta, but it was back in Washington that he won the World Series in 2019, splitting catching duties that year with Yan Gomes.
He then played his final two seasons - in 2021 and 2022 - with the Angels, finishing his career on a $1.75m contract.
Suzuki retired on his 39th birthday, playing his final game against the Oakland Athletics - his original MLB team.
