Angels Bench Coach Benji Gil Not Expected To Return Next Season

Angels coaching staff might not bring back clubhouse favorite

As a new era of baseball for the Los Angeles Angels will begin in 2024 under new manager Ron Washington, it appears that a key member of the Angels staff from last year will not be returning.

After not being selected for the Angels and San Diego Padres managerial openings this offseason, it appears that Benji Gil will not be returning to the Angels coaching staff next year.

Benji Gil, who interviewed for the Padres managerial opening, is now unsigned as the winter meetings approach. He’s not expected to return to the Angels’ @MLB staff. He led 🇲🇽 to their best-ever WBC finish and won 4 titles as a manager in the Mexican Winter League. @MLBNetwork

— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) November 27, 2023

Over the last two years, Gil has served as the infield coach for Los Angeles and was a name that was very popular in the clubhouse.

While the Angels were searching for their next manager, Gil was publicly endorsed by starting pitcher Patrick Sandoval who played under him as Gil was the manager of team Mexico in the World Baseball Classic.

Sandy At Ducks Game! - Part 2 😍✅
Bally Sports Kent French & Legendary Mighty Ducks Guy Hebert interview Anaheim Angels Patrick Sandoval during the Anaheim Ducks intermission at Honda Center. 🏒⚾️😎
Credit: Ballys#LetsGoDucks #FlyTogether #大谷翔平 #Ohtani #GoHalos pic.twitter.com/InLCrE8bJG

— Anaheim Sports (@AnaheimSports1) November 2, 2023

Ultimately, the Angels decided to go with Washington as the manager and the rest was history for Los Angeles. 

While nothing has been official on the current state of the Angels coaching staff, there could be a possibility that Gil could end up leaving.

Given how well-connected Gil is with the players already, I still think there could be a strong possibility that Gil would return to the Angels as he has a great history with the team as he was on the roster as a player when they won the franchise's first World Series title in 2002. Gil also played with the Angels from 2000-2003.

However, for now, it sounds like Gil could be on his way out, which would be a tough blow to the Angels staff.