Phil Nevin: Being Angels Manager ‘Was A Dream Job For Me’

With the Los Angeles Angels ultimately deciding to decline the option on Phil Nevin and his contract for the 2024 season, they’ll be on the hunt for their next manager.

Nevin being out as the Angels skipper isn’t much of a surprise move, mainly because the franchise is heading in a new direction. As the manager in L.A. for 268 games, he posted a 119-149 record.

Having to navigate his way through tough waters with a litany of unknowns with injuries, inexperience, among other things. But Nevin earned the respect of his players, which holds weight when guiding a team dealing with turmoil.

Nevin recently wrote a letter to the Angels organization, expressing a great deal of gratitude for his time as manager, per Sarah Valenzuela of the L.A. Times:

“I want to take this time to thank Perry [Minasian] and the Moreno family for giving me the opportunity to manage my hometown team,” Nevin wrote. “Growing up just down the road from Angel Stadium and being here through my days at Cal State Fullerton, I’ve said it many times, it was a dream job for me and that will never change.

“It pains me that we did not get this done for this city and our great fans but I am incredibly proud of the dedication, effort and cohesion of everyone who was part of my staff and everyone involved in the daily operations of the team.

“I know I leave with this being a better place and a bright future with many great young players. I will miss the daily work together but our relationships will last a lifetime.

“This will always be my home and I will always root for the Angels. Go Halos!! — Phil Nevin.”

Nevin’s experience, resume, and the rapport he builds with those in the game of baseball should earn him another coaching job if he chooses to do so.

The 52-year-old was unable to guide the Angels to a winning season, but the move by general manager Perry Minasian and the front office could simply be because of their understanding a large shift is coming within the franchise.

Phil Nevin was ‘proud’ of his team for their 2023 season

Although the fell short of their goal of punching their postseason ticket, Nevin urged that there was a lot to be proud of. With the most important offseason upcoming for the Angels, they’ll need to get a complete coaching staff in place before making large personnel decisions.

Once the coaching staff is sorted out, all eyes will be on Shohei Ohtani and his free agency plans. If the two-way star re-signs with the Angels, it would theoretically propel the organization back to contention.

In the event Ohtani signs with a different team, the Angels could decide to enter a rebuild, which will open the door for any potential roster move, including trading Mike Trout.