New manager Kurt Suzuki ignites spring training, demanding fierce competition for unsettled roles, from center field to the back of the rotation.
The Los Angeles Angels’ new manager, Kurt Suzuki, has a lot on his plate with his first managerial gig. Less than four years after playing in a Halos uniform, it’s now Suzuki’s job to bring the nearly sunken ship that is the Angels back above the water.
Pitchers and catchers will have their first workouts of the spring on Wednesday, prompting Suzuki to speak to the media on Tuesday about his messages and intentions heading into his first season at the helm.
His main goal this spring is to foster intense competition, especially for certain roles that have yet to be claimed. Center field, the closer role, the back end of the starting rotation, and second base are those areas that still have some uncertainty surrounding them, something that Suzuki hopes to have figured out by intense competition in the coming month or so.
“As a player, I grinded it out. I earned everything,” Suzuki told the media. “I felt like I had to prove myself every single year. And I want these players to understand that's what it's going to be like around here and to not take anything for granted.”
Regarding the starting rotation, Suzuki stated that only the top three spots are locks, naming left-hander Yusei Kikuchi, right-hander Jose Soriano, and left-hander Reid Detmers as the three who have their spots solidified. This leaves at least two spots open for the Halos.
Despite trading outfielder Taylor Ward and his 36 home runs for right-hander Grayson Rodriguez this offseason, Suzuki doesn’t yet view Rodriguez as a lock in the rotation. Instead, he wants Rodriguez to leave no option but to include him in the rotation even after missing the entirety of the 2025 season due to injury.
It’s a similar story for right-hander Alek Manoah, who also hasn't pitched on a major league mound since the 2024 campaign. In the minor leagues last season, Manoah recorded a 3.96 ERA in 10 starts, not compelling enough statistics to guarantee himself a spot as a regular in the Halos' rotation.
As far as who will be the club’s closer in 2026, Suzuki said he’s looking at several options, including right-handers Robert Stephenson and Kirby Yates. He’s hoping that their performance this spring will make his choice clear.
It’s uncertain how much Mike Trout will be playing in the outfield in 2026 after making his move to being a designated hitter in 2025. Suzuki said he plans to meet with Trout when he arrives at camp about what his role will be for the Halos this year.
Trout’s role has a big impact on the outfield for the Angels, with Jo Adell being the only lock for 2026. With a hole in center field and possibly right field, the Halos are left with Jose Lowe and Bryce Teodosio as options to fill in the outfield, depending on how Trout feels about a return to the outfield.
Second base is the final role that Suzuki is looking for somebody to claim, with 23-year-old Christian Moore as the favorite heading into spring. He’ll be challenged by trade acquisition Vaughn Grissom and utilityman Oswald Peraza for the up-for-grabs position.
“We're not closing the door on anybody,” Suzuki said. “We’ve got a long time to check out guys, see how they're doing, see how they're feeling. Whoever gives us the best opportunity to win, we're gonna go that route.”