Los Angeles Angels name John Mozeliak interim GM after Perry Minasian dismissal

The Los Angeles Angels dismissed general manager Perry Minasian, who had led the club for six seasons marked by consecutive losing records and the departure of star Shohei Ohtani. Owner Arte Moreno announced the change on Friday, and the team was 34‑48, tied for last place in the American League West at the time.

Former St. Louis Cardinals executive John Mozeliak was hired as interim general manager and advisor for the remainder of the 2026 season. Mozeliak’s appointment was arranged through mutual friend and agent Steve Hilliard, linking him with Angels president Molly Jolly; Moreno was not involved in the hiring process. Mozeliak said his short‑term focus will be the draft, the trade deadline and finding a permanent GM, while also helping bridge communication between baseball operations and ownership.

Mozeliak, who previously resisted rebuilding with the Cardinals, acknowledged the Angels’ need to improve scouting, player development and the farm system. He indicated willingness to stay on in a different role after 2026 if a new GM is hired. The franchise’s recent history includes a decade of sub‑.500 seasons, a weak minor‑league pipeline and limited postseason appearances despite having marquee players like Albert Pujols, Mike Trout and former MVP Shohei Ohtani.