MLB rumors: Angels could already have replacement in mind for Joe Maddon

The Los Angeles Angels may not have to look very far to find a replacement for Joe Maddon. Insiders think they already have someone in mind.

Now that the Angels have parted ways with Joe Maddon, who will get the chance to manage two of the biggest talents in the MLB?

There are a million reasons the gig in

Anaheim

Los Angeles is desirable, starting with Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani, but a nationwide search for a replacement may not be necessary.

MLB insiders are saying the Angels already have their guy close at hand.

MLB rumors: Angels could already have replacement in mind for Joe Maddon

People around the league believe bench coach Ray Montgomery is the long-term guy for Los Angeles, according to The Baseball Insiders podcast.

Los Angeles could have given Montgomery the interim tag but put third base coach Phil Nevin in charge for the remainder of the season instead. Apparently, that doesn’t change the vibe that Montgomery will ultimately get the job.

The team hired Montgomery as their bench coach for 2022. At the time it was seen as an interesting move since he had served in mostly executive roles before then. He served as the director of player personnel for the club in 2020 and 2021. Before that he was a scouting director for the Diamondbacks and Brewers.

There’s still a long way for the Angels to go before they have to decide for good who the next manager will be. A lot can happen between now and the end of the season but Montgomery will definitely be under a microscope for the time being.

Maddon was fired in the midst of a lengthy Angels losing streak which stretched to 14 even after his departure. The team’s last win was on May 24 against the Rangers.