Angels GM Search Paused Awaiting MLB Sale Vote
Interim GM John Mozeliak says the team will not interview candidates until Major League Baseball approves the Stan Kroenke purchase.
By Karan Meyer ·
The Los Angeles Angels have paused their search for a new general manager. Interim general manager John Mozeliak announced on Wednesday that the team is waiting for Major League Baseball to approve the sale of the franchise. No external candidates have been interviewed yet.
Mozeliak originally believed the league would vote on the sale during the owners meetings in New York from Nov. 17 to Nov. 19. A league source contradicted that timeline. The sale is not currently on the agenda for that vote. Other members of the front office shared Mozeliak’s expectation until Wednesday morning.
The source said it is possible the vote could be added later or held remotely. However, neither scenario is expected at this time. Stan Kroenke’s group agreed to buy the team from Arte Moreno on Sept. 1. The deal was initially projected to close in the first quarter of 2027.
Mozeliak views the MLB approval as the primary barrier before Kroenke Sports & Entertainment assumes control. He stated that the new ownership group will make most strategic decisions once the vote passes. The Angels have created an internal list of candidates but have not moved beyond that stage.
The organization fired Perry Minasian in June and hired Mozeliak as an interim leader. His contract runs through December. Mozeliak said he has not yet determined his exact role in the search process. He acknowledged that he is already working with Kroenke Sports & Entertainment on some choices, including the decision not to retain manager Kurt Suzuki.
The Angels position has become a top target in the industry. Kroenke is known for deep financial resources and allowing autonomy to his hires. This reputation has fueled speculation that the team could poach a current general manager. Mozeliak confirmed that the Angels have not asked permission to interview any sitting leaders at other clubs.
The new general manager will select the next manager. The team has less than a month to reshape the roster before a likely lockout on Dec. 1 freezes most moves. Mozeliak will attend the GM Meetings in Las Vegas next week. He plans to use the trip to study the free agent and trade markets. He said major moves are unlikely before the new ownership takes over.
Source: The San Bernardino Sun
