Angels Seek to End Postseason Drought in 2026 Season

New manager Kurt Suzuki and GM Perry Minasian aim to turn around the struggling franchise.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 1:43am

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A fragmented, geometric painting in red, white, and navy blue, depicting a baseball game or match broken down into sharp, overlapping planes, conceptually representing the Angels' complex path back to the playoffs.The Angels' quest to end their postseason drought is framed through the lens of Cubist deconstruction, capturing the team's complex challenges and high-stakes 2026 season.Los Angeles Today

The Los Angeles Angels, despite boasting some of baseball's biggest stars in Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani, have not reached the postseason since 2014. As they enter the 2026 season, the Angels are looking to end their decade-long playoff drought under new manager Kurt Suzuki and GM Perry Minasian. The team made several key offseason moves, including signing free agents Alek Manoah, Drew Pomeranz, and Brent Suter, but questions remain about their aging roster and shaky starting rotation.

Why it matters

The Angels' inability to reach the playoffs despite their star power has been a source of frustration for the franchise and its fans. This pivotal 2026 season will determine whether the team can finally turn things around and build a contender around Mike Trout's twilight years, or if it's time for a full-scale rebuild.

The details

The Angels limped to a 72-90 record in 2025, finishing last in the AL West. They've made several roster moves this offseason, adding outfielder Josh Lowe, starter Grayson Rodriguez, and relievers Kirby Yates and Jordan Romano, while also signing free agents Alek Manoah, Drew Pomeranz, and Brent Suter. However, the team had to part ways with several veterans, including Tyler Anderson, Taylor Ward, and Kenley Jansen. The Angels' payroll remains anchored by Mike Trout's $35.5 million luxury tax hit, and the team is hoping for bounce-back seasons from players like shortstop Zach Neto, first baseman Nolan Schanuel, and starter Reid Detmers.

  • The Angels' last postseason appearance was in 2014, when Mike Trout was 22 years old.
  • The Angels finished the 2025 season with a 72-90 record, landing them in last place in the AL West.
  • Kurt Suzuki is entering his first season as the Angels' manager in 2026.
  • Perry Minasian is entering his sixth season as the Angels' general manager in 2026.

The players

Mike Trout

A 35-year-old outfielder and one of the most electrifying talents in baseball, Trout's production has declined in recent years as he transitions to a full-time DH role.

Zach Neto

A 24-year-old shortstop who led the Angels with a 3.1 fWAR in 2025.

Nolan Schanuel

A 25-year-old first baseman who posted a 1.4 fWAR in 2025.

Kurt Suzuki

The Angels' new manager, taking over the team for the 2026 season.

Perry Minasian

The Angels' general manager, entering his sixth season in that role in 2026.

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What’s next

The Angels will be closely watched this season to see if they can finally end their postseason drought and build a contender around their aging stars. Their performance and any key roster moves or player developments will be closely monitored as the season progresses.

The takeaway

The 2026 season represents a critical crossroads for the Angels franchise. After years of disappointment despite their star power, they must find a way to turn things around and return to the playoffs, or else it may be time to consider a full-scale rebuild around younger talent.