Former Braves Catcher Kurt Suzuki Named Los Angeles Angels Manager

The Los Angeles Angels have appointed former MLB All-Star catcher and World Series champion Kurt Suzuki as their new manager, replacing Ron Washington who stepped down due to health issues. Suzuki, who played for the Angels and several other teams during his 16-year career, has no prior professional coaching experience but has been serving as a special assistant to the Angels' general manager. Despite initial expectations that future Hall of Famer Albert Pujols would secure the managerial role, contract negotiations with the Angels broke down, ruling him out as a candidate. Other contenders for the position included former player Torii Hunter and several experienced ex-managers, though none have been confirmed. The Angels are aiming to end their longest active playoff drought in MLB, which has lasted since 2014, with Suzuki's hiring signaling a new direction for the team. Meanwhile, Angels coach Bo Porter has expressed interest in the managerial position despite not being contacted for an interview and facing competition from other candidates.