Angels' latest GM candidate checks every box but comes with an uncomfortable catch

The Los Angeles Angels are still trying to get things settled with the ownership transition this offseason. John Mozeliak is still the acting interim GM and running the show, but as he said himself, the new ownership group could decide to hire someone else for a permanent role.

That doesn't mean that Mozeliak couldn't also be hired as the full-time GM and have the interim tag removed, but it does sound like they may be looking elsewhere. Reports have been emerging about potential candidates for the Angels GM spot. One name that has emerged is a name that Mozeliak is very familiar with.

Derrick Gould, lead baseball writer for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, wrote on September 28 (subscription required) that Cardinals Assistant GM Randy Flores is "expected to be considered for the Angels' opening." Flores has been a part of the Cardinals organization since 2015. He started as their scouting director and then was promoted to AGM in 2018.

Of course, Flores would be someone Mozeliak is very familiar with. Mozeliak was the head baseball official in St. Louis from the 2007 offseason through the 2025 season. Flores would have been hired and promoted under his watch. It would make sense that if Mozeliak was asked to offer suggestions, he would name one of his guys as a candidate.

Randy Flores looks like a good candidate, but his skill set may not be right

Flores’ actual resume is impressive. He has overseen the Cardinals' drafts during his tenure with the club. Recognizable names such as Tommy Edman, Brendan Donovan, Jordan Walker, and Masyn Winn have all been drafted under Flores watch. While that's all well and good, the Angels shouldn't be looking for a draft expert as their next GM.

The Angels need someone adept at managing the major league roster. Someone who can work free agency and make trades that will help upgrade the team at the highest level. The new ownership group will become the richest owners in the sport. The team's at the top of the sport payroll wise attack the free agent market and make trades for stars, and won't be afraid to pay them.

Flores skill set sounds perfect for a small-market team, or the way the Angels were run under Arte Moreno. The teams that can't or won't spend money need to be able to draft well and develop their prospects the way the Rays and Brewers do. The Angels aren't going to be in that spot. While the skills Flores excels in are key to sustainable winning, right now, the Angels don't need them from the person at the very top.

Flores seems like he could be a great GM, but he isn't right for the Angels. Right now, it seems like the connection is coming because of Mozeliak.

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