Los Angeles Angels hiring SF Giants managerial candidate for opening

The SF Giants can cross one name off the managerial search. According to Jeff Passan of ESPN, the Los Angeles Angels are hiring former backstop Kurt Suzuki to become their next manager.

Los Angeles Angels hiring SF Giants managerial candidate for opening

Suzuki will take over for longtime baseball coach Ron Washington. Washington went on a leave of absence after undergoing heart surgery midway through the year. Ray Montgomery stepped in as the interim manager.

Washington expressed his desire to return to the dugout, but the Angels decided to go in a different direction. His team option was not picked up for 2026. They parted ways with Montgomery as well, but left the door open for him to return in a different role.

As soon as the position opened up, future Hall of Famer Albert Pujols was viewed as a strong candidate to take over. Former big league outfielder Torii Hunter was also viewed as a candidate.

Within the past couple of days, neither Pujols nor Hunter were still in the running for the role. Pujols is now considered a candidate for the San Diego Padres and Baltimore Orioles openings.

Over the weekend, it was reported that the Angels were planning to interview Kurt Suzuki for the opening.

The 16-year veteran had been interviewed by the Giants earlier this month. A source told Around the Foghorn that the interview went well, and that Suzuki was considered a strong candidate for the role.

Suzuki concluded his playing career after the 2022 season and immediately transitioned to a front office role for the Los Angeles Angels. Despite no coaching experience, that connection likely opened the door to an interview and an eventual job.

Of course, the Giants have already circled University of Tennessee head coach Tony Vitello as their top target. A deal has not materialized yet, so both parties remain in a holding pattern.

If Vitello spurns the Giants' interest, then San Francisco will have to dip into a thinning candidate pool. Suzuki is now off the table. Nick Hundley withdrew from consideration. Brandon Hyde and Vance Wilson are among the remaining candidates.