Los Angeles Angels reportedly planning to interview SF Giants managerial candidate for opening

Former big league catcher Kurt Suzuki might get more than one chance to interview for a managerial vacancy this offseason. According to Sam Blum of The Athletic (subscription required), the Los Angeles Angels are planning to interview the SF Giants managerial candidate for their own vacancy.

Los Angeles Angels reportedly planning to interview SF Giants managerial candidate for opening

That Angels position was held by Ron Washington for the past two seasons. He underwent heart surgery midway through this season, and Ray Montgomery stepped in as interim manager for the remainder of the year.

Washington had expressed a desire to return to the dugout, but the Angels went in a different direction. He, along with Montgomery, were not retained on the coaching staff. The Angels did leave the door open for Montgomery to remain with the organization in a different role.

As soon as the Angels’ position opened up, future Hall of Famer Albert Pujols was viewed as the favorite and the preferred candidate by Angels owner Arte Moreno. Pujols could still be the favorite, but the Baltimore Orioles and San Diego Padres seem poised to show interest as well.

San Blum also mentions that the Angels are planning to interview former major league outfielder Torii Hunter for the vacancy.

Kurt Suzuki interviewed for the Giants vacancy earlier this month. He appeared in 16 major league seasons while earning an AL All-Star bid in 2014 and helping the Washington Nationals to a World Series title in 2019.

Suzuki played for five teams, including two seasons with the Angels at the end of his career. As soon as his playing career concluded, he transitioned to the front office, becoming a special assistant to Angels general manager Perry Minasian.

Suzuki is part of a Giants’ interview pool that includes Nick Hundley, Craig Albernaz, and Brandon Hyde. Hyde is the only one from that group who has managerial experience.

Hyde managed the Baltimore Orioles for seven seasons before his tenure came to an end earlier this year. Albernaz served as the Giants’ bullpen and catching coach for four seasons before joining the Cleveland Guardians’ coaching staff after the 2023 season. He is viewed as a future manager and has been considered for multiple vacancies in the past.

Suzuki and Hundley are extremely light on coaching experience. However, Buster Posey has seemingly put value in being a former catcher during this search.