Buck Showalter Has Eye On Manager's Job With AL Team

Buck Showalter was relieved of his duties with the New York Mets after their disastrous season came to an end last week. But he's already got his eyes on another managerial opening, as several sources are reporting that he's targeting the vacant Los Angeles Angels job.

Angels owner Arte Moreno is said to like Buck from the 2019 search where he reportedly finished second to Joe Maddon. GM Minasian was basically Buck’s assistant a few years in Texas. Not impossible. https://t.co/jXaFEkohEq
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) October 6, 2023

Showalter is said to be trying to get himself an interview in Anaheim, and as noted by Insider Jon Heyman, Angels owner Arte Moreno "is said to like Buck from the 2019 search where he reportedly finished second to Joe Maddon."

In addition, current Angels GM Perry Minasian—entering the final year of his contract—was basically Showalter's assistant 20 years ago when they were both with the Texas Rangers.

Of course, why anyone would want the Angels' job right now is in question. Superstar Shohei Ohtani is expected to bolt in free agency, and their other superstar Mike Trout has had several injury-plagued seasons, and is even a possibility to ask for a trade.

Showalter has a career .509 winning percentage in 22 years managing in the major leagues. This season, the Mets went 75-87 despite spending half a billion on free agents last winter. The Angels, who also held out hopes of competing for a playoff spot this season, went 73-89 under Phil Nevin, who's been since fired.

Photo: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports