Following the conclusion of the 2021 regular season, Perry Minasian said that the Los Angeles Angels would take some time to evaluate before making decisions about their coaching staff and other positions. Now, it’s becoming clear they want to make changes, as Matt Swanson is the latest to join the chopping block.
The first domino to fall was Jose Molina, who was let go as the team’s catching coach. Shortly after, the team moved on from Brian Butterfield as the third base coach. Their third move involves a demotion of Swanson from his former position of Director of Amateur Scouting.
It was revealed on Wednesday that he would not be returning to that position, but for now he remains with the Angels, via Jeff Fletcher of The O.C. Register and Sam Blum of The Athletic:
Matt Swanson has lost his job as #Angels scouting director. He oversaw the last 5 drafts, starting with 2017 (Jo Adell). No word yet on his replacement.
— Jeff Fletcher (@JeffFletcherOCR) October 20, 2021
The Angels are removing Matt Swanson from the role of scouting director. He has been offered an opportunity to return to the org in a different role, or look elsewhere. He's been in that role since 2016. @JeffFletcherOCR first reported the move.
— Sam Blum (@SamBlum3) October 20, 2021
It’s very possible that Swanson will find a role in another organization, as his track record with the Angels since being hired in 2017 has been solid. In the five drafts he led, the team selected Jo Adell, Griffin Canning, Jordyn Adams, Jeremiah Jackson, Austin Warren, Andrew Wantz, Reid Detmers, and others.
At the time being, the Angels do not have a replacement lined up. It appears their strategy is to make decisions on every position before going back and finding replacements. We’ll see over the next few days if the team has more moves to make within their staff.
For now, the team is in need of a catching coach, a third base coach, and a director of amateur scouting.
Angels selecting 13th in 2022 MLB Draft
There is still plenty of time before the 2022 MLB Draft, but when the new director of amateur scouting is hired, that person will have the 13th pick in that draft.
Based on standings, the Angels wound up with the No. 13 overall pick in each of the 20 rounds.