Los Angeles Angels: Why Perry Minasian is the right pick for GM

The Angels have made their decision on their next general manager.

Perry Minasian comes from a lifetime of baseball experience even though this will be his first time as general manager. According to an article by Maria Torres of the LA Times, Minasian started off by being a pro scout with the Toronto Blue Jays in 2009, and then went on to become the special assistant to the general manager of the team. His experience in scouting is a plus for the Angels as their farm system definitely needs to be revamped, however, he will also be in charge with the daunting task of getting Mike Trout and the team into the postseason.

This is where his experience with talking to players and connecting with them is huge for the Angels, as the team has holes in various positions which include upgrading the starting rotation, which was a major concern in 2020.

With the off-season in full swing, Minasian can use his excellent communication skills and connections with getting free agents to want to sign with the team. Right now, the team could use a shortstop with Andrelton Simmons now on the free agent market, as well as a dependable catcher with the team trading away Jason Castro at the trade deadline in 2020.

The hottest free agent on the market is no doubt NL CY Young award winner Trevor Bauer and the Angels are in desperate need of pitching, it would make sense for him to be on Minasian’s priority list. It would also make sense for the Angels to make a run for catcher J.T. Realmuto, who was a highly coveted catcher that was traded from the Marlins to the Phillies, both of which Minasian has experience competing against.

Giving Minasian time and patience is another key component to consistent success with the team, as Minasian could help build a sustainable winner in Anaheim with strong scouting and development now with his knowledge. There’s no doubt that fans want to see Mike Trout and their Angels in the postseason, however, making a one and done run doesn’t do the team any good if they are forced to start over again. That is why allowing Minasian to build the team that he wants and help build for the future should be in the Angels best interests.

He will have a challenge that former Angels GM Billy Eppler was tasked, which was get the team competitive as well as building up their farm system. Minasian’s experience with the Braves is an example of what he can do, as he helped the team get three consecutive NL East division titles.

Of course, another question will be with his boss, Angels owner Arte Moreno, as he likes to be involved in the team and their decisions which is something Minasian should try to control if he can.

There’s no doubt that the owner has the final say in things which is understandable, but if Minasian and Moreno butt heads at all during his tenure with the team, it could lead to another general manager search quickly. With the financial resources the team has and with Minasian’s knowledge, there shouldn’t be any reason why the Angels can’t build a consistent winner, there just has to be patience.

Minasian has been hired for four years, per Jeff Fletcher of the Orange County Register.