In a decisive move signaling a new chapter for a franchise long defined by futility and front-office turbulence, the Los Angeles Angels fired General Manager Perry Minasian on Friday and named longtime St. Louis Cardinals executive John Mozeliak as Baseball Operations Consultant and interim General Manager.
Los Angeles Angels on X (formerly Twitter): “OFFICIAL: The Angels announced that the Club appointed John Mozeliak as Baseball Operations Consultant, serving as Interim General Manager after relieving Perry Minasian of his General Manager duties. pic.twitter.com/FUmwQJTbLv / X”
OFFICIAL: The Angels announced that the Club appointed John Mozeliak as Baseball Operations Consultant, serving as Interim General Manager after relieving Perry Minasian of his General Manager duties. pic.twitter.com/FUmwQJTbLv
Minasian, hired after the 2020 season, compiled a 392-500 record over five-plus seasons marked by drama, late-season collapses, chaotic roster turnover, and a string of failed contracts. He oversaw five managers during his tenure, most recently hiring current skipper Kurt Suzuki, with whom he once said their futures were “tied in.” Among the notable missteps were a five-year, $26 million deal for David Fletcher before 2021, a three-year, $33 million contract for the injury-prone Robert Stephenson in 2024, and a group of free-agent relievers that underperformed in 2026.
The club announced the changes in a news release, with new team president Molly Jolly cited as responsible for the moves — though any major decision would ultimately require owner Arte Moreno’s approval. In a written statement, Jolly praised Minasian as “a valued leader who worked tirelessly over the last six years to strengthen our baseball operations department,” adding, “I am grateful for his dedication, insight and many contributions to our organization.”
Moreno had expressed support for Minasian earlier in the year, telling the Orange County Register in February, “I really like Perry. At the end of the day, you have to start adding up wins and losses.”
Mozeliak, 57, who led Cardinals baseball operations for nearly three decades before stepping down at the end of his contract following the 2025 season, will “oversee the day-to-day baseball operations for the Angels while refining a baseball operations strategy and assisting the organization in its search for a new General Manager,” according to the release. A news conference to introduce him is scheduled for Saturday afternoon.
During his tenure in St. Louis, Mozeliak orchestrated one of the most successful runs in recent baseball history. He presided over a 2011 World Series championship, 10 postseason appearances (including a franchise-record five straight from 2011-15), and 15 consecutive winning seasons from 2008-2022. The Cardinals amassed 1,289 wins in that span, third only to the Dodgers and Yankees. He also spent the 2025 season in a transition role alongside current Cardinals president of baseball operations Chaim Bloom.
Mozeliak had not ruled out a return to the game after stepping away but had emphasized a desire for some time off. His connection to the Angels is further bolstered by a close relationship with Albert Pujols, who serves as a special assistant to the club.
Mozeliak’s immediate task will be a thorough evaluation of the roster, player development system, and strategic direction as the Angels seek to end years of mediocrity and build a consistent contender in a competitive American League West. His analytical yet scouting-balanced approach and history of sustained success offer a steady hand during what promises to be an eventful offseason.
For Minasian, the end of his tenure closes a challenging chapter. The Angels now turn to Mozeliak for leadership and stability, hoping his expertise can help restore the franchise to relevance and deliver the wins that have been so elusive in recent years.
