Angels’ Early Struggles Continue as Front Office Stands Behind Kurt Suzuki

The Los Angeles Angels are enduring another difficult stretch in the early stages of the 2026 season, falling to 13-22 after a 5-1 loss to the New York Mets on Sunday. The defeat further extended a prolonged slide that has pushed the club deeper into last place in the AL West.

Los Angeles has lost 12 of its last 14 games, including a seven-game losing streak that has highlighted ongoing inconsistencies across the roster. While the season remains in its early stages, the pattern of results has already raised concerns about the team’s ability to compete in a crowded division.

Despite the struggles, the organization has maintained public support for first-year manager Kurt Suzuki, who was hired on a one-year deal during the offseason. His leadership is now being tested as the team navigates one of its most difficult stretches in recent years.

General manager Perry Minasian has remained steady in his evaluation of the club’s direction, even as losses continue to accumulate and postseason hopes begin to fade early.

1. Prolonged Slump Defines Early Season

The Angels’ recent form has been among the most concerning developments in the American League. Over the past two weeks, the team has struggled to maintain consistency on both offense and defense, resulting in repeated late-game breakdowns. Sunday’s loss to the Mets was another example of an offense unable to generate sustained pressure. The Angels managed just one run while failing to capitalize on scoring opportunities throughout the game. That performance followed a broader trend in which Los Angeles has been unable to string together wins or build momentum. Opposing teams have taken advantage of bullpen instability and inconsistent situational hitting. With the club now sitting at the bottom of the AL West, the margin for recovery is shrinking even in the early part of the season.

2. Front Office Maintains Confidence In Suzuki

Despite the results, Minasian has publicly expressed confidence in Suzuki’s leadership during the early season struggles. He emphasized the importance of evaluating character and composure during difficult stretches. According to Minasian, extended losing periods often reveal the internal dynamics of a team, including how players and staff respond under pressure. He pointed to recent road performances as evidence of resilience within the organization. Suzuki, in his first managerial role, has been tasked with guiding a roster still searching for stability. While results have not followed, the front office believes the environment he is helping maintain remains constructive. That trust suggests the Angels are not prepared to make immediate changes at the managerial level despite the poor start.

3. Talent Gaps And Long-Term Outlook

Even with managerial support, roster limitations remain a significant challenge for Los Angeles. The bullpen, in particular, has been identified as one of the team’s weakest areas early in the season. Late-game collapses and missed opportunities have become recurring issues, placing additional pressure on both the pitching staff and coaching decisions. Those struggles have contributed heavily to the team’s losing streak. While Suzuki has faced scrutiny due to the record, internal assessments indicate that broader roster construction plays a major role in the current performance gap. The team simply has not matched up well against stronger opponents in key areas. With only 35 games completed in a 162-game season, there is still time for adjustments, but the urgency to improve performance is already becoming a defining theme of the year.