The Los Angeles Angels have officially confirmed the hiring of Mike Maddux as their new pitching coach, as reported by Jeff Fletcher of the Orange County Register. This announcement follows earlier reports that Maddux, who previously served as the pitching coach for the Texas Rangers, will join the staff of new Angels manager Kurt Suzuki. The arrangement is expected to be a one-year deal, though the Angels have yet to make a formal announcement.
Maddux’s departure from Texas comes after the Rangers were unable to reach an agreement with him for the 2026 season, despite expressing their desire to retain him. Rangers president of baseball operations Chris Young emphasized the team’s gratitude for Maddux’s contributions, particularly in leading the pitching staff to the franchise’s first-ever World Series title in 2023. Under his guidance, the Rangers showcased impressive pitching performances, highlighted by their starters’ major league-best ERA of 3.41 in 2025.
With an extensive background in coaching, Maddux brings a wealth of experience to the Angels. Over his 23-year tenure as a major league pitching coach, he has worked for multiple teams, beginning in Milwaukee and spanning two stints in Texas, as well as coaching roles in Washington and St. Louis. His successful career as a player, pitching for nine different teams, along with his prolific coaching track record, positions him as a seasoned leader for the Angels’ pitching staff.
However, Maddux faces a significant challenge in revitalizing the Angels’ pitching lineup, which lacks the depth seen in his former Texas team. While Yusei Kikuchi and Jose Soriano provide a solid foundation in the rotation, questions loom regarding the effectiveness of the remaining options, including former top prospect Reid Detmers and promising newcomer Caden Dana. The team’s bullpen appears fragile, highlighted by injuries to key players, including Ben Joyce, who underwent shoulder surgery, and Robert Stephenson, who missed most of last season due to recovery from Tommy John surgery.
As Maddux steps into this pivotal role, it is clear that he will not be working alone; he will collaborate with a broader support system including assistant coaches, advance scouts, and the analytics department. Together, they aim to improve a pitching staff that struggled significantly in 2025, finishing with the third-worst ERA in Major League Baseball at 4.89. This collaborative approach reflects the evolving nature of coaching in baseball, where diverse insights and strategies are essential for success.
With Maddux at the helm, there is a renewed sense of hope for the Angels as they look to strengthen their pitching unit and compete effectively in the coming season. The focus on talent development and team cohesion could potentially lead to a more robust performance, marking a new chapter for the organization under its new managerial leadership.