Angels Rumors: Top Managerial Targets Heading into the Long Offseason

It may be a long winter for the Halos.

With the firing of manager Phil Nevin, the Los Angeles Angels once again find themselves entering an offseason with a search for a new manager. Whoever they hire to fill the role will be the fifth manager since 2018, showing that they have a high turnover rate in the position.

It’s not a great look for the organization, but the job could still be potentially attractive depending on how things go this offseason. While the Halos haven’t reached the postseason since 2014, they do have some good, young talent on the roster. But two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani could be walking out of the door, which may put a hamper on the job.

So, who will be the top targets for the Angels this offseason to fill the vacancy?

Personally, I think it all depends on the direction the team wants to head in. The smart decision would be to enter into a rebuild to start over fresh, especially if Ohtani does leave. However, the team has signaled that they won’t do that, and they want to field a contender again.

With that mindset, the Angels should look to go after a proven guy to lead the way. Someone like Buck Showalter, who was just let go of by the New York Mets, could be a good candidate. He would bring all his experience to the table, and provide a winning attitude.

Another name could be recently fired San Francisco Giants manager Gabe Kapler or even former Miami Marlins skipper Don Mattingly. Both could give this team someone who understands how the job is, and provide the Angels with a known commodity. Between the two, Mattingly may make more sense, as he has accomplished more in his time, and he did a decent job with a young Miami Marlins team/

Mark DeRosa could be another name that the Angels could look at. He managed Team USA in the 2023 World Baseball Classic, and he has experience managing star Mike Trout. It could be a solid hiring, but he would be a less proven candidate than the others mentioned.

And if the Halos wanted to go in-house bench coach Ray Montgomery and infield coach Benji Gil make some sense. They both know how the organization works, and how the players that will be around next season operate. This could provide the Halos with some continuity as well, but they may want someone most name-worthy.

No matter who the Angels hire, they will have their work cut out for them. This will be an important offseason for the future of this team, and one that they can’t afford to get wrong.