A pair of former Angels’ stars looked like the frontrunners to be the club’s next manager. Now, both are out of the race. Torii Hunter is no longer a candidate in the Angels’ managerial search, reports Bob Nightengale of USA Today. The Hunter news comes after Albert Pujols’ candidacy met the same fate this morning. Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports Hunter could still be a candidate for Minnesota’s managerial vacancy.
It’s the latest chapter in an ongoing saga to replace Ron Washington and Ray Montgomery, neither of whom was retained by the team. Hunter was mentioned as an option to fill the role, though only if the Pujols plan fell through. Pujols was described as the “leading choice” for the job and it appeared to be his if he wanted it. Contract negotiations ultimately broke down between Pujols and the team, leading to the Hall of Famer being removed from the search.
Hunter spent five seasons of his 19-year MLB career with the Angels. He performed well on both sides of the ball with the club, earning a pair of All-Star selections and two Gold Glove awards. Hunter didn’t reach the fringe MVP-level production he showed in his Minnesota days, but he was an above average hitter in each season with the Halos. As a 36-year-old in his final campaign with the team, Hunter hit a career-best .313 while posting a 131 wRC+.
Hunter has no prior coaching or managerial experience at the big-league level. He’s held special assistant roles for several years, including in the Los Angeles organization. Hunter was hired as a special assistant to general manager Perry Minasian in 2024.
The Angels are were planning to interview another former player, Kurt Suzuki, for the managerial position. Suzuki also happens to be a special assistant to Minasian. Sam Blum of The Athletic reported the team is also interested in speaking to Rocco Baldelli and Brandon Hyde about the vacancy. Former Astros manager Bo Porter wants a chance at the job as well. Porter was the Angels’ third base coach this past season.
Gee—maybe I could interview for the job since everyone is getting turned down.
Your screen name effectively answers your question………….
In high school, as a joke, I sent in my resume for an open Marlins manager position. Mentioned winning my fantasy leagues and gave my Little League coach as a reference. To my shock they actually sent me a form letter saying they appreciated my interest but my qualifications did not meet what they were looking for!
You probably hurt your chances by using the word “winning” on your resume. Instantly, they likely assumed they couldn’t afford you. Lol
But seriously, that’s awesome and funny all at once. Lol
Just another corporation putting up ghost jobs
If the Angels wanted Porter they had the entire time Washington was out last season to give him a chance. I could see Hyde taking the job
Hyde makes sense
Hyde would be good but why would any serious candidate go there? What they’ve done to the last few managers is predictive of the future.
There is real steam to the rumor that after the trial, there may be some things happening.
Nobody wants that job. Horrible roster, no farm, yes man as a GM and a clueless dweeb as an owner.
Arte is the one looking at candidates so if he doesn’t like one, even if Perry has a preference, it’s going to be whoever Arte likes.
porter wants the job.
Only the Angels could publicize turning down franchise All Stars and making it awkward. None of this should be public; especially the “rejections”. Nobody in that front office nor owners suite has any idea how to run a professional franchise.
Ah Trump must have called Arte telling him he better hire his buddy Suzuki or ICE will take a hard look at his family.
I wonder if Torii’s last name is enough to get him into the Busch party and eligible for the free year of beer…
Don Zimmerman is interested in making a comeback!
Think you mean don Zimmer. That would be a great accomplishment for him to come back. Or maybe you mean robert Zimmerman. Think he’s something like 85.
Too bad that blackpink paid the Trade Rumor fee when he changed his screen name to Never Remember. He must have figured that he’d be safe from being banned no matter what he posts after doing so. Hope he’s wrong, but so far it’s working for him.
No idea how he’s be as a manager but Torii is one of my all time favorites. Loved watching him with the Twins and he’s my favorite Angels free agent signing.
I’d love to see him manage in the minors for a couple years to learn the ropes. But hes a family guy with a big bank account who already missed a lot of moments when he was a player.
Stop the rejection and sell the team, Arturo!
lmao. Never change, Arte.
What an ugly process – assuming they actually used the term “removed” from the search- and not clunky analysis. How bout more positive language like “we’ve settled on finalists, or have “narrowed” the pool. Ugly all around
The reporting here is based on tweets, and if you read those, you’ll see the wording choice belongs entirely to MLBTR. Why any team would leak their internal deliberations is beyond me.
Yes! As the assistant manager of a beer league softball team my dream is still alive of being a MLB manager!
“Contract negotiations ultimately broke down between Pujols and the team, leading to the Hall of Famer being removed from the search”.
Ah, Pujols isn’t a hall of famer just yet.
I have to say that I am relieved that Pujols and Hunter are no longer in consideration. Was really hoping for Hundley, but family comes first.
Beyond him, I would like to see either Servais, Hyde, or Flaherty in that order.
I think Torii would have been the best choice for manager in 2026. But for his sake, I’m glad it isn’t going to happen. I hope he keeps developing and maybe someday he could be our manager under better ownership.