Angels Rule Out Another Top Managerial Candidate in Surprise Move

Apr 9, 2012; Minneapolis, MN, USA: Los Angeles Angels right fielder Torii Hunter (48) celebrates with first baseman Albert Pujols (5) after beating the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. The Angels won 5-1. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images | Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images

The Los Angeles Angels have informed former All-Star outfielder Torii Hunter that he will not be the team's next manager, per USA Today's Bob Nightengale.

This comes hours after Albert Pujols was ruled out of the running for the job in what has now become two surprise moves for the Halos in their managerial search.

The Angels have informed Torii Hunter, one of the most popular players in franchise history, that he no longer is in the running for their vacant managerial job.
The Angels earlier told Albert Pujols that he no longer was being considered.
Eight MLB managerial openings remain.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) October 21, 2025

After the team decided to move forward without Pujols as the manager, Hunter and Kurt Suzuki — both Angels executives — were considered the favorites for the job, per the New York Post's Jon Heyman. Based on Heyman's reporting, it would appear that Suzuki is the new standalone favorite.

However, MLB.com's Mark Feinsand reported that Suzuki also interviewed for the San Francisco Giants' opening, and could be a candidate with the Minnesota Twins, as well. Feinsand reports that Hunter is also a candidate for the Twins' job.

Hunter and Suzuki are both currently special assistants to general manager Perry Minasian. Pujols was also on the Angels' staff in the midst of his 10-year personal services contract.

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Suzuki spent the last two seasons of his 16-year playing career with the Angels. Hunter spent five seasons of his 19-year playing career with the Angels.

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