The Los Angeles Angels have cast a wide net in their search for a new manager after dismissing Phil Nevin at the end of the 2023 season.
The team is believed to be looking for a veteran presence to lead their young roster, and among the candidates so far are Buck Showalter and Darin Erstad.
Erstad would be an interesting choice as he is one of the Angels’ all-time greats and most recently served as the head coach of the University of Nebraska baseball team from 2011-2019
According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, two more former Angels stars in Torii Hunter and Tim Salmon have emerged as candidates for the managerial opening:
Torii Hunter, the five-time All Star and nine-time Gold Glove winner, has emerged as a candidate to fill the Los Angeles Angels’ managerial vacancy. Hunter spent five years playing for the Angels and is tremendously regarded by owner Arte Moreno for his leadership and baseball acumen.
The Angels also have discussed other former players such as Darin Erstad and Tim Salmon.
Hunter made a name for himself with the Minnesota Twins but joined the Angels for the second half of his career and put up big numbers. In 713 games across five seasons with the team, he hit .286/.352/.462 with 147 doubles, 105 home runs and 432 RBI.
Salmon spent his entire 14-year career with the Angels and won unanimous American League Rookie of the League honors in 1993, while also being part of the 2002 World Series championship team.
Salmon has served as the head baseball coach at Scottsdale Christian Academy in Phoenix, Arizona, since 2015. Hunter has no previous coaching experience, but was a guest instructor in Spring Training for the Twins and Angels.
White Sox hire former Angels pitching coach Matt Wise to coaching staff
The Chicago White Sox reportedly are adding former Angels pitching coach Matt Wise to their coaching staff for the 2024 season. Wise had been part of the Angels’ staff since 2020 and served as their pitching coach since 2021.