The Los Angeles Angels have a host of big decisions to make when it comes to building out the 2023 roster. General manager Perry Minasian has continually said that winning is the main goal next season, despite the belief from many that it would be wise to move on from some of their superstar players.
But with Minasian already agreeing to a one-year, $30 million contract with Shohei Ohtani to avoid arbitration, as well as bringing manager Phil Nevin back on a one-year deal, he may be serious about loading up for one final run.
Of course, Minasian may not have final say over every decision, as a potential ownership change looms very large. But if winning is the goal, Minasian will have some work to do. Not just with the roster, but with Nevin’s coaching staff as well.
But with Nevin ditching the interim tag, Minasian wants his new full-time manager to have input in the finalized staff, according to Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com:
“We’re going to really take our time,” Minasian said. “I definitely want Nev’s input, first and foremost — he’s the manager. It’s something we’ll go through and get his take on things and make some decisions. But it’s tough. The work ethic of the whole group was outstanding.”
In 2022, Nevin worked with a coaching staff largely curated by Joe Maddon. And although it isn’t a necessarily bad staff, Nevin may want to run things differently. As the manager, he’s earned that right, even if it is just a one-year contract.
Nevin has earned the respect of everyone within the Angels organization with the way he led the team through difficult times. So whoever he chooses to surround himself with should have the respect of the players and front office as well.
Ohtani once again states playoffs as his main goal
Ohtani has long been adamant about his desire to win above all else in the Major Leagues. Which is why his 2023 season and following free agency looms so large within the Angels organization.
When Ohtani was asked about his 2022 season, he admitted that he felt he played better than he did in 2021 when he won the MVP award. However, none of it mattered as his main goal is to be in the playoffs. He’s hopeful that it can happen for him in 2023.
