The Los Angeles Angels are officially toast, the first American League team eliminated from postseason contention after that brutal 5-2 loss to the Boston Red Sox on Monday, September 7. That’s it. Ballgame, season over, even though they’ve got 18 meaningless games left on the schedule. Even if they somehow won ’em all, they’d only scrape together 72 wins, which is one game shy of the Cleveland Guardians holding down the third AL Wild Card spot at 73-72. Oof.
Another Year, Another October Without Playoff Baseball
This marks the 12th straight year without October baseball in Anaheim. Can you even imagine that? For over a decade, Angels fans have been stuck watching from the sidelines. But here’s the wild part: despite this absolute dumpster fire of a season, there’s actually a reason for hope in Anaheim. Fans have been chanting for owner Arte Moreno to sell the team all season, especially during those 44 home losses. Well, he listened. Moreno, whose 23 years of ownership were widely trashed as some of the worst in professional sports, just offloaded the team.
The $4 Billion Shakeup That Changes Everything
In steps Stan Kroenke, dropping a reported $4 billion to buy the team. Yeah, that Stan Kroenke, the guy who owns the Los Angeles Rams, Denver Nuggets, Colorado Avalanche, and Arsenal FC, all of whom have snagged championships this decade. He’s expected to officially add the Angels to his championship portfolio once the sale gets the green light from all 30 MLB owners in early 2027. This isn’t just a new owner; it’s a complete reset for a franchise that’s been wandering in the wilderness for way too long.
Manager Kurt Suzuki is on a one-year deal, so don’t be surprised if he’s gone in 2027. Former St. Louis Cardinals president of baseball operations John Mozeliak came in as interim GM after Perry Minasian got fired in June, and he didn’t waste any time. Mozeliak traded away seven players before the August 3 deadline, grabbing prospects that have already launched the Angels’ farm system from 28th to 17th in MLB Pipeline’s rankings, with shortstop Arjun Nimmala headlining the haul. Plus, he’s shaking up the scouting department, promoting Matt Swanson and Michael Lord to assistant GMs. Mozeliak hasn’t committed to staying past this year, but the foundation he’s laying is gonna help whoever’s in charge.
So, while the Angels won’t be playing any meaningful baseball this September, the real story is just beginning. With Kroenke’s championship pedigree and Mozeliak’s swift moves, the offseason is gonna be absolutely wild, and for the first time in a long time, Angels fans have something real to look forward to.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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